Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Nirit Cohen covers the Future of Work, bridging trends with solutions. This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. This ...

The return-to-office debate isn’t stuck because no one can agree on the ideal number of office days. It’s stuck because leaders are still asking the wrong question. It’s not: Where should work happen?

Only 13% of American workers remain fully remote in early 2025, and another 26% have hybrid jobs, according to the academic clearinghouse WFH Research. Both figures are down from their pandemic peaks.