Maybe it’s time to rethink what working your way really means.
“Three days in the office is just right.” This reflects a shift in hybrid work preferences I’ve observed as a recruiter working primarily with global and foreign-affiliated companies, I speak with over 30 bilingual professionals every month in the digital space — covering marketing, e-commerce, and design roles. One topic has become especially prominent in recent conversations: the increasing number of in-office days, or what’s often referred to as “Back to the Office.”
Since the pandemic began in 2020, remote work has become the norm, and many people have experienced the comfort and flexibility of being able to work effectively from home. But since the start of 2024, more and more companies have begun to revise their office policies.
Changing Hybrid Work Preferences: What Candidates Are Telling Us
- “My three-day in-office schedule just became four.”
“We used to have flexible hours, but now they’re fixed.”
In the past two months alone, I’ve heard from many candidates who are seriously considering a job change because of these changes. What stood out most were comments like:
- “It’s not that I hate going to the office, I just want the freedom to choose when I go in.”
- “I wouldn’t mind five days a week if it were my decision. But once it becomes a rule, it starts to feel heavy.”
These comments reveal something deeper: trust and autonomy now define modern hybrid work preferences. It’s not just about disliking commuting. The way a company handles work styles reflects its culture and management mindset.
Of the ~60 people I’ve spoken with recently, around 90% said they prefer hybrid work, specifically 2–3 days in-office. The most common sweet spot?
- “Three days in the office, two days remote.”
That balance allows for deep focus and space for life outside of work.
Of course, around 10% of candidates prefer being in the office full-time. But even then, it’s a conscious choice. They value in-person interactions and a strong sense of team. The key is having clarity on what you need to thrive.
What Hybrid Work Preferences Do We See At Our Clients
At Cogs, our clients range from:
Fully in-office companies (5 days/week)
Hybrid setups (1–4 days/week in-office)
Fully remote-friendly workplaces
When thinking about a career move, how you work is becoming just as important as what you do or how much you earn.
So if lately you’ve found yourself wondering:
- “Is this way of working still right for me?”
- “I’m starting to feel out of sync with my company’s direction…”
Let’s talk. Even if you’re not actively job hunting, it’s valuable to check in with your hybrid work preferences and see how they align with today’s evolving workplace culture.
At Cogs, we support bilingual digital professionals across industries like consumer brands, fintech, SaaS, and consulting. You don’t need to have everything figured out — sometimes, a conversation is the first step toward clarity.
Cogs is an executive search and recruitment agency specialising in connecting creative-minded individuals with global career opportunities.
For further reading and resources, check out our blog: Cogs Agency.
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