Return to Office in 2025: Are Workers Returning to Cities?

The return-to-office (RTO) movement has continued evolving into 2025, reflecting shifting workforce preferences, economic realities, and public health policies. After the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work models, many cities saw downtown areas empty out, leaving businesses struggling and office towers partially vacant. Now, five years after the pandemic’s onset, trends suggest a gradual but uneven return to city centers, with some metros thriving while others still grapple with empty office spaces.

Rapid tests remain a vital tool to protect your family and loved ones during seasonal surges of COVID-19. Be sure to stock your medicine cabinet with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.

This article explores the latest RTO trends, factors influencing urban workforce shifts, and whether workers are truly coming back to downtowns.

1. Office Attendance Has Increased, but Hybrid Work Remains Dominant

While companies have pushed for more in-person work, full-time office attendance has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

• According to a 2025 workforce survey, average office occupancy rates in major U.S. cities have reached 65-75% of pre-pandemic levels, up from 50% in 2023 (source).
• Hybrid work models remain the norm, with many businesses mandating 2-3 office days per week rather than full-time in-office work.
• Some firms have implemented incentives—such as free meals, transit subsidies, and social events—to lure employees back to physical offices.

Despite these trends, full-time in-office work is still largely limited to industries requiring hands-on collaboration, such as finance, law, and technology.

2. Which Cities Are Seeing a Downtown Revival?

Some cities have successfully attracted workers back, while others still struggle with vacant commercial real estate.

Cities experiencing a strong return to office movement:

• New York City – Major financial firms have mandated in-office work, leading to a rebound in downtown foot traffic.
• Miami – A surge in tech and finance relocations has fueled office demand, with companies investing in in-person collaboration.
• Austin – Startups and major corporations alike have embraced flexible hybrid models, leading to a strong downtown presence.

Cities where downtowns remain sluggish:

• San Francisco – High office vacancy rates persist, with remote work still dominant in the tech sector.
• Chicago – Some downtown commercial districts are struggling with empty storefronts and reduced commuter traffic.
• Seattle – Tech layoffs and continued hybrid work policies have limited office resurgence.

The success of RTO efforts varies by industry and region, with some cities investing heavily in downtown revitalization while others adapt to a new normal of lower office occupancy.

3. Public Health and Safety: A Lingering Concern

Despite the pandemic no longer being a public health emergency, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses continue to influence office attendance.

• Employers have maintained flexible sick leave policies to prevent outbreaks.
• The availability of rapid COVID testing has helped employees monitor their health before returning to work.
• Companies have invested in improved air filtration systems, touchless technology, and expanded sick leave policies to maintain workplace safety.

Public health measures remain a key factor in employee comfort levels when it comes to returning to office spaces.

4. The Impact on Downtown Businesses and Commercial Real Estate

The slow but steady return to offices has had mixed effects on urban economies.

• Restaurants, gyms, and retailers in downtown areas are recovering, but many still operate at reduced capacity compared to 2019 levels.
• Office leasing has rebounded in some areas, but major landlords are struggling with high commercial vacancy rates, especially in tech-heavy cities.
• Public transit ridership has increased, though it remains below pre-pandemic levels in many metro areas.

Cities that have embraced mixed-use development—converting office spaces into residential or multi-use buildings—are seeing the most success in adapting to shifting work patterns.

5. What’s Next for the Return to Office Movement?

Looking ahead, several trends will shape the future of workplace attendance and downtown recovery:

• AI and Automation: Some roles that went remote during the pandemic may never return to offices as AI-driven workflows reduce the need for physical presence.
• Flexible Office Spaces: The rise of co-working hubs and flexible lease models is reshaping traditional office dynamics.
• Government Incentives: Some cities are offering tax breaks and funding programs to encourage businesses to reinvest in downtown spaces.
• Hybrid Model Optimization: Companies are refining hybrid work strategies, ensuring that in-office time is maximized for collaboration and productivity.

The return to office movement has gained momentum in 2025, but full-time in-office work has not made a full comeback. While some cities are experiencing a downtown revival, others continue to grapple with remote work’s lasting impact.

• Hybrid work remains the dominant model, balancing flexibility with in-person collaboration.
• Some urban centers are booming again, while others face ongoing commercial real estate struggles.
• Public health concerns, urban policies, and evolving workplace culture will determine the future of office work.

As companies and cities navigate this new phase, rapid COVID testing, hybrid strategies, and urban innovation will play a crucial role in shaping the workplace of the future.

Rapid tests remain a vital tool to protect your family and loved ones during seasonal surges of COVID-19. Be sure to stock your medicine cabinet with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.

Keywords: return to office, work from home, hybrid work, downtown recovery, COVID-19, remote work, urban workforce, SARS-CoV-2, rapid testing, pandemic economy