Work-from-home (WFH) may have boomed after the Covid-19 era, but a surprising trend is now emerging—professionals are increasingly choosing office-based roles over remote jobs, even when offered significantly higher salaries. A recent report shows that while 12.7% of full-time employees in 2024–25 work fully remote and 28.2% follow a hybrid model, many tech engineers are refusing lucrative WFH opportunities.
Indian Engineer Declines ₹67 Lakh Remote Offer
In a striking case, a Bengaluru-based tech engineer turned down a fully remote role from a foreign company offering USD 75,000 per year (approx. ₹67 lakh). The catch? The job required him to work exclusively from home. Instead, he chose to continue his current in-office job in India, where he earns ₹48 lakh annually.
The incident was shared by DevRev solution engineer Ashish Jha, whose social media post sparked a heated debate on X about remote work challenges, dollar salaries, and the future of tech jobs.
This isn’t the first time such a decision has gone viral. Earlier, another engineer posted about choosing between:
Option A: Fully remote role with high pay, unlimited PTO, flexible hours, and freedom to work from anywhere.
Option B: In-office role requiring four days a week at the workplace, fixed timings, traditional benefits, and daily commute.
He ultimately picked the in-office option—surprising many.
Why Are Techies Moving Away from WFH?
Experts Highlight 5 Strong Reasons**
A combination of psychological, professional, and lifestyle factors appear to be driving talent back to offices. Several global studies—including those by MIT and Stanford—have identified the following reasons:
1. Social Isolation
Remote work often leads to loneliness, lack of social interaction, and reduced motivation. In contrast, office environments provide human connection, collaboration, and a productive mental atmosphere.
2. Faster Professional Growth
Employees feel that in-office roles offer more visibility, quicker feedback from seniors, and better hands-on learning—improving skill development and career trajectory.
3. Better Chances of Promotions & Salary Hikes
When managers see employees working in person, performance is recognized more effectively. This often translates into smoother promotions, stronger credibility, and better annual appraisals.
4. Stronger Professional Network
Being physically present helps build relationships with leaders, mentors, and colleagues—creating valuable networks that can shape long-term career success.
5. Improved Work–Life Balance
Contrary to popular belief, studies show that remote workers struggle to separate personal and professional life. Many feel constantly “on call,” leading to stress and burnout.
Office jobs create clear boundaries—work stays at work, and home remains a place for family and rest.
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