The way we work is shifting once again. After several years of hybrid and remote models, 2025 has brought a clearer direction. Many employers are now expecting staff in the office four days a week. This approach is widely referred to as RTW4 (Return to Work Four Days a Week).
At Lily Shippen, we are seeing this trend across the board. From global corporations to growing SMEs, businesses are steadily adopting RTW4 as their new standard. While this change may not suit everyone, it reflects a broader return to more structured, in-person working. It is already having a noticeable impact on the business support market.
A clear move towards office-based work
Flexibility still matters, but the balance is shifting. Employers are increasingly favouring models that bring people together for the majority of the working week. RTW4 offers regular face time with some flexibility through one remote day.
For business support professionals, this shift is significant. Candidates who are actively job searching should know that four days in the office is quickly becoming the norm.
The benefits of being physically present
Remote working has its place, but there are clear advantages to being part of a shared workspace. This is particularly true for EAs (Executive Assistants), PAs (Personal Assistants), and Office Managers.
- Coffee machine conversations often solve problems faster than a stream of emails
- Relationships with stakeholders build more naturally through regular face-to-face interaction
- Picking up on team dynamics or a CEO’s working style happens more easily in person
- Learning opportunities increase, especially through shadowing and spontaneous conversations
These benefits are often what help a good business support professional become a great one.
What this means for jobseekers
At Lily Shippen, we are now advising more candidates that RTW4 is becoming the standard across the market. While flexibility is still important, most employers are moving away from remote-first or heavily hybrid models. This is not a temporary shift. It is becoming a long-term reality.
Candidates who are open to RTW4 typically access a broader range of roles. They benefit from greater visibility within a business and build stronger working relationships. For those who want to progress, being seen and heard in person often makes a real difference.
That said, we recognise that RTW4 will not suit everyone. Commuting time, caring responsibilities and lifestyle preferences still play a role. In those cases, we take a tailored approach to help candidates find roles that suit both their personal and professional needs.
For employers: make the office worth coming to
A successful move to RTW4 is not just about setting a policy. It also means creating a working environment where people want to be. Culture, communication and development all matter.
Creating space for collaboration, recognition and growth helps businesses retain talent. That is where initiatives like our free EA/PA mentoring programme and our sister company eavolve can make a difference. They support individuals to develop while helping businesses build loyal, high-performing teams.
The direction is set
The move towards RTW4 is clear. Businesses want to bring people back together, and business support professionals are expected to be part of that shift. While every company and role is different, the trend is no longer emerging. It is here.
At Lily Shippen, we are supporting both clients and candidates through this transition. Whether you are refining your hiring strategy or rethinking your next career move, we are here to help.
Need support with hiring or job searching in the current market?
Speak to our team of specialist consultants today.
