The article from Jon Chesto of the the Boston Globe Media discusses the ongoing trends in return-to-office policies in Boston, highlighting a difference in approach compared to major companies like Amazon and JPMorganChase. While these large firms are enforcing five-day-a-week mandates, the majority of Boston’s employers are opting for hybrid schedules, with most sticking to a model where employees come into the office around three days a week.

According to a survey by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, nearly 64% of local employers have no plans to change their office space in 2025, with most sticking to their post-pandemic hybrid routines. Only a few companies require full-time office attendance. The survey reveals that employee preference is a key factor in maintaining hybrid policies, with many workers expressing dissatisfaction with a full return to the office.
This trend has had mixed effects on Boston’s downtown economy. While it supports office landlords as attendance approaches 80% of pre-pandemic levels, it has posed challenges for local businesses that rely on a full five-day office crowd, such as small retail stores.

Despite the stability in office space use, the commercial real estate market in Boston is still struggling with high vacancy rates, particularly in the Financial District. Some industry experts expect the market to stabilize by 2026.
In conclusion, while large firms are pushing for a return to full office attendance, Boston remains predominantly hybrid, balancing employee flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration.

Thank you Jon Chesto

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/16/business/return-to-office-boston-hybrid-workers-employers