Trend of return to face-to-face and hybrid work grows in Brazil, research shows

The face-to-face or hybrid work model with more days in the office is on the rise in Brazil. This is what reveals a new survey conducted by Swile and Leme Consultoria.The survey points out that 65.9% of companies adopt these formats, while only 13.3% of organizations maintain a remote 100% regime.

To stimulate this transition, companies are increasingly investing in benefits that facilitate the displacement of employees. The study recorded a growth of 203% in the Fuel Valley and an increase of 76% in the Automobile Aid, highlighting the commitment of companies to support the physical presence in offices.

Julio Brito, CEO of Swile Brasil, comments on this trend: “We are seeing a clear movement of companies to encourage the return to face-to-face not only as an operational issue, but as a strategy to strengthen organizational culture and promote greater interaction between the” teams.

Impact on the real estate market and urban mobility

This change also has direct effects on the commercial real estate sector. Data from Cushman & Wakefield indicate that the office vacancy rate has reached the lowest level since 2021. In Sao Paulo, the average price of renting high-end offices registered an increase of 11% in 2024, reaching R$ 116.49 per square meter, according to a survey by Binswanger Brazil. In addition, the return to face-to-face has impacted urban mobility. Traffic in large cities has increased significantly.

Organizational culture in focus

Differently from what many imagine, the resumption of face-to-face work is not directly linked to a concern with productivity, but rather to the strengthening of organizational culture. Companies are seeking greater interaction between teams, promoting integration and collaboration as essential factors for business development.

“Flexibility remains an essential aspect for Brazilian workers, but we see that many companies are trying to strike a balance between the benefits of remote work and the need for in-person coexistence”, adds Julio Brito.

About the yearbook:

The yearbook of Swile and Leme Consultoria heard about 800 companies of various sizes and sectors. The survey data offers a clear view of what the market is practicing and what really matters to employees today. The document has become a reference for professionals in the area of People, People & Management, Human Resources and leaders who want to stay ahead of the market.