Indonesian workforce embrace Return-to-Office (RTO) policies

As global work patterns continue to evolve, Indonesia’s workforce stands out for robust acceptance of Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates and high satisfaction with the office environments. JLL's Workforce Preference Barometer 2025 surveyed 8,700 office workers globally, including Indonesia, across financial services, technology, manufacturing, and public institutions. The result revealed the main drivers for Indonesia’s positive RTO sentiment: workplace quality, amenity expectations, and growing flexibility needs.

In 2025, the JLL survey found that 87% of Indonesian employees are required to work a fixed number of days from the office, well above APAC (71%) and global (66%) averages. What sets Indonesia apart is not just compliance but genuine acceptance. 87% of those working on-site report positive sentiment, much higher than the global average of 72%.

Figure 1: How do employees feel about their company’s RTO mandate?

Source: JLL Workforce Preference Insights – Indonesia, 2025

Figure 2: Top drivers of respondents with positive sentiment

Source: JLL Workforce Preference Insights – Indonesia, 2025

This rising acceptance also reflects the gradual maturation of hybrid and office-based work. Unlike in previous years, employees are not just returning because they have to, but they are seeing value in being present. For many, the physical office has evolved from a mere workplace to a hub of productivity, social connection, and opportunity.

A closer look at the survey results shows that office quality is crucial to this positive attitude. Satisfaction with the office environment in Indonesia is significantly higher than the APAC (80.7% vs. 57.4%). Employees are most satisfied with natural lighting (92%), technology integration (88.7%), and thermal comfort (88%), all of which are above their regional averages.

Employees who feel their workplace is close to ideal are more likely to be productive and accept RTO mandates willingly. This satisfaction goes beyond physical features to include community. Indonesian employees put greater importance on connecting with colleagues, making collaborative spaces increasingly valuable.

Despite high satisfaction, gaps remain. When asked what they expect for increased office attendance, Indonesian employees frequently cited enhanced amenities, such as health services, wellness programmes, and better food provision. These expectations often surpass what employers currently deliver. For instance, while two-thirds of the employees desire enhanced amenities, only half say these are promised by their respective employers. Addressing these gaps is not simply about retention, but also about making office time valued, not just required.

Figure 3: What employees want vs. what has been promised for RTO

Source: JLL Workforce Preference Insights – Indonesia, 2025

While workplace quality and compliance remain strong foundations, flexibility is emerging as a significant priority. Previously centred on location, flexibility now focuses on time. Nearly seven in ten say flexible working hours would improve their quality of life, and more than half would consider changing jobs to gain better control over their schedules. This shift from location-based to schedule-based flexibility highlights the growing need for time management, which supports overall wellbeing. 

These findings highlight the importance of workplace quality, amenities, and flexibility in sustaining high RTO engagement in Indonesia. Employers who invest in health initiatives, wellbeing resources, social spaces, and flexible policies are better positioned to retain talent and boost productivity. As expectations evolve, narrowing gaps in amenities, wellbeing support, and schedule flexibility will be crucial in transforming the office from a place of responsibility into a productive destination that employees choose to return to.