RTO mandates to AI agents: How work is changing in 2026 and beyond

Workplace Changes - The workplace has undergone significant transformations, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a shift towards remote work and digital communication tools [2] - Analysts predict further changes in the workplace, where individuals typically spend about one-third of their lives [2] Return-to-Office Trends - In 2025, there was a notable increase in return-to-office (RTO) mandates from major employers such as Amazon, Dell, Walmart, and Starbucks, with stricter in-office expectations being enforced [3] - Despite RTO calls, hybrid work arrangements remained the preferred model for remote-capable roles, with employee preferences showing little movement towards fully on-site work [3] Flexible Work Models - Companies that viewed work flexibility as a strategic tool for employee engagement achieved better outcomes compared to those focused solely on attendance metrics [3] - A trend towards structured flexible work models is expected, driven by data on employee productivity, satisfaction, and retention [4] Staffing Strategies - Businesses are increasingly relying on contract and interim talent to maintain project momentum and access specialized skills, marking a significant trend in 2025 [4] - By 2026, scalable staffing is anticipated to become a long-term strategy for many companies due to economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, advancements in AI, and ongoing project backlogs [5] Role of AI in the Workplace - The role of artificial intelligence in the workplace is expected to expand, with 2026 being identified as the year of agentic AI, which operates autonomously with minimal human oversight [5]