As organizations continue to adapt their work models, the question of remote work’s future remains a top concern for technology leaders. The workplace of tomorrow is no longer bound by the traditional walls of the office; instead, it reflects a mosaic of employee needs and operational goals.
To better understand these shifting dynamics, The National CIO Review, in collaboration with the CIO Professional Network, conducted a survey revealing the preferred work models shaping organizational strategies.
The findings provide valuable insights into how CIOs are navigating this decision-making process and what it means for the future of work.
Majority Remote with Occasional Office Use: The Leading Preference (50%)
The survey results show that the majority remote with occasional office use model emerged as the top choice, representing 50% of the total votes. This trend highlights the growing acceptance of remote work as a standard rather than an exception.
For CIOs, this approach allows employees the flexibility to work from home while maintaining periodic in-person collaboration.
Organizations can benefit from reduced overhead costs, such as office space while ensuring employees stay connected through team-building events or important meetings.
The rise of advanced collaboration tools, such as video conferencing platforms, project management software, and cloud-based solutions, has made it possible to sustain productivity and innovation in predominantly remote settings. CIOs leading this transition often view hybrid models as an opportunity to retain top talent, increase employee satisfaction, and reduce burnout by creating a better work-life balance.

Equal Mix of Remote and In-Office Days: Second in Line (16.7%)
Coming in second place, an equal mix of remote and in-office days garnered 16.7% of the total votes. This model strikes a balance between the autonomy of remote work and the benefits of face-to-face collaboration.
Hybrid work arrangements offer flexibility while addressing challenges such as remote work isolation and maintaining organizational culture. CIOs adopting this model are prioritizing investment in tools and technologies that ensure seamless transitions between remote and office environments. Examples include desk booking systems, secure VPNs, and hybrid meeting solutions.
Moreover, this balanced approach can drive innovation by encouraging casual interactions in office spaces, moments that are often missing in fully remote environments.
Entirely In-Office: A Modest Contender (12.5%)
While entirely remote or hybrid work models dominate the conversation, some organizations remain committed to a fully in-office model, receiving 12.5% of the total votes.
CIOs supporting this approach often cite industries or roles requiring hands-on collaboration, specialized equipment, or secure environments as key drivers. However, this model comes with challenges, including potential resistance from employees who now expect more flexibility in their work lives.
For those choosing this path, investing in an engaging office environment and maintaining employee satisfaction has proven to be critical to long-term success.
Entirely Remote: A Niche but Noteworthy Choice (8.3%)
While entirely remote work gained significant traction during the pandemic, it ranked lower in this survey, with 8.3% of the total votes.
CIOs leaning towards fully remote work emphasize access to a broader talent pool, cost savings, and a focus on measurable outcomes over presenteeism. However, challenges such as employee engagement, collaboration, and cybersecurity require strong strategies to overcome.
Organizations embracing this model must prioritize technologies and policies that maintain team cohesion and productivity, such as regular virtual check-ins, enhanced cybersecurity protocols, and employee wellness programs.
Majority In-Office with Flexible Options: A Balancing Act (8.3%)
The majority in-office with flexible options approach, which also represents 8.3% of the total votes, signifies a compromise. Organizations that favor this model allow employees occasional remote work while maintaining a primarily office-centric culture.
This model appeals to organizations looking to preserve a sense of normalcy and in-person collaboration while acknowledging the changing expectations of employees.
For CIOs, this often means designing technology solutions that enable flexibility, such as mobile device management and cloud-based productivity platforms.
Exploring Options: A Work in Progress (4.2%)
Finally, some organizations remain in the exploratory phase, as seen in the “exploring options, no clear direction yet,” which accounts for 4.2% of the total votes. These organizations may be testing various approaches or waiting to better understand their workforce’s preferences before committing to a specific model.
CIOs in this group must remain agile, utilizing pilot programs and employee feedback to inform future decisions.
The Wrap
The survey underscores that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the future of work. While majority remote with occasional office use leads the pack, hybrid models, in-office arrangements, and entirely remote setups each have their merits based on organizational goals, industry demands, and employee needs.
For CIOs, the path forward lies in balancing flexibility with productivity.
Whether embracing advanced collaboration tools for remote teams or reimagining office spaces for hybrid models, technology leaders play a huge role in shaping the workplace of tomorrow.
As organizations continue to redefine the boundaries of work, one thing remains true: the future workplace will be driven by adaptability, innovation, and a keen focus on employee well-being.