KPMG’s 2024 CEO Outlook Survey: 79% of CEOs Predict Full Return to Office by 2027

A significant shift in workplace trends is on the horizon, as nearly 80% of CEOs believe that employees currently on hybrid schedules will be back in the office full-time by 2027. This insight comes from KPMG’s 2024 CEO Outlook Survey, which gathered responses from 400 top U.S. business leaders on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of business.

According to the survey, 79% of U.S. CEOs expect corporate employees, whose roles have traditionally been office-based, to return to in-person work five days a week. This represents a sharp increase from earlier in the year when only 34% of CEOs held this expectation.

Paul Knopp, KPMG U.S. Chair and CEO observed that while there is growing support among CEOs for a full return to the office, the need for flexibility in work arrangements remains important. The survey results were released as Amazon confirmed plans to require employees to work in the office full-time starting in January 2025.

In addition to workplace trends, the survey highlighted other key concerns for CEOs, with 89% noting that an aging workforce is affecting their ability to recruit, retain, and maintain a vibrant corporate culture.

Knopp added that CEOs are focused on staying ahead of emerging risks, which are increasingly interconnected. He emphasized that executives are directing resources to manage immediate threats like cyber and geopolitical risks while simultaneously making strategic long-term investments in generative AI and mergers and acquisitions to drive future growth.

Have you read?
World’s Best Countries For Retirement.
World’s Best Countries For Women.
World’s Best Countries To Visit In Your Lifetime.
US States With the Largest Gender Pay Gaps.
CEOs who have secured the most funding during their tenure in companies in each US state.