The conversation around returning to the office has resurfaced not only in the Netherlands, but across Europe. While some organizations are reinforcing mandatory office attendance, employees are showing resistance. Data from mobility trends and large-scale surveys clearly indicate that hybrid working has become deeply embedded in workplace culture over the past few years. For many employees, flexibility is no longer a perk, but a fundamental condition for functioning well.
The Netherlands: more attendance, less enthusiasm
According to mobility data from Google and Apple, Dutch employees in 2025 are physically present at the office more frequently than in previous years. Mobility trends show a clear increase in commuting. A study involving 250,000 workers also found that the number of remote workdays dropped by 10.9% in the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. On average, workers are now spending one additional day per week at the office.
- In 2023, approximately 5.1 million Dutch workers, over 52% of the workforce worked from home at least occasionally, the highest share in the EU.
- On average, nearly 15 hours per week were worked from home, roughly equivalent to two full workdays, accounting for around 20% of total working hours.
- Between 2021 and 2023, the number of people who “mostly” worked from home declined from 1.9 million to 1.3 million, while “occasional” remote workers increased from 3.1 million to 3.8 million.
- Self-employed professionals worked from home more than employees: about 30% of their workweek compared to 17% among salaried workers.
Commuting time appears to be a decisive factor in this choice. Employees with a one-way commute of more than 30 minutes are significantly more likely to work remotely; for those with travel times over an hour, more than 70% consistently work from home at least part of the time. Reducing travel time and costs plays an important role in this behavior.
France: “retour en arrière” not an option
Remote work is also under pressure in France, but resistance among employees is even more pronounced. A recent Apec survey reveals that a striking 82% of French executives oppose a full return to the office. In fact, 60% say they would consider changing jobs if remote working rights were limited.
Companies seeking to roll back remote work are increasingly facing strong opposition from employees and unions. The idea that physical presence automatically leads to stronger engagement and productivity is being called into question. Instead, there is growing awareness that a successful work culture relies on trust, autonomy, and a thoughtful hybrid strategy.
Conclusion: the balance has shifted
While employers in both the Netherlands and France are pushing for more in-office presence, the reality is that employees are not always on board. Hybrid working is no longer a temporary trend it has become a structural pillar of modern work culture. Organizations that adopt a flexible approach and actively listen to the needs of their workforce are more likely to succeed in attracting and retaining talent in the long term.
