Remote work became essential during the pandemic, but after more than four years, companies are still trying to get their employees back in the office.

Michigan management, labor, employment attorney Deborah Brouwer says businesses are trying to balance if and how they bring back certain employees.

“It’s a hard call these days because there is a lot of resistance,” Brouwers said. “People have been doing it for four years and it may upend their lives to now to be required to return to work. But companies think there’s real benefits and so we’re going to see that play out in the next year, I believe. How far companies are going to take this, how much they’re going to push employees.”

Brouwer says for the employees, many need to rearrange childcare and other schedules, so businesses are trying to give notice well in advance.

According to a recent Resume Builder survey, one in four companies plans to increase the required days in-office in 2025.