#Japan #Tokyo #Career Survey #Kreis & Company #High-Class Talent

The Shift Towards Office Work for High-Class Professionals

In a recent survey conducted by Kreis & Company, a firm specialized in supporting high-class job transitions, findings highlight a notable trend towards full-time office work among high-class talent. As part of the annual Career Awareness Survey for high-class professionals, the 2025 edition of the Remote Work Reality Survey has been released. This survey continues from 2023, revealing changes in the balance between remote work and office attendance over the past three years.

The Dominance of In-Office Work

The survey results indicate that 30% of respondents prefer to return to the office five days a week. This marks a clear inclination towards office-based work. Other results showed that 26% prefer to come to the office one to two days a week, while 25% prefer three to four days a week. Only 11% of participants chose full remote work, indicating an increasing trend towards more in-office days compared to last year.

Flexibility is Key Moving Forward

When asked about future working preferences, 51% of respondents stated they are indifferent, indicating a preference for flexibility regardless of the mode of work. Following this, 46% expressed a desire for remote work, while only 3% indicated they did not want any form of remote work. Rather than sticking to rigid models like fully remote or full-time in-office, many professionals prefer an adaptable work style that best suits their individual circumstances.

Changes Since 2023

Looking at trends over the past three years, there has been a discernible shift towards office attendance from companies responding to the global trend of returning to offices. Employers are increasingly seeking approximately three days a week in the office, while the number of fully remote positions has diminished.

Conversely, high-class individuals have shown a strong preference for productivity-based evaluation. They are shifting their focus from the location of work to the autonomy and scope of their job responsibilities. Economic uncertainties and rising costs have also pushed workers to adapt their working patterns more fluidly in line with their organizations' policies.

Support for Flexible and Hybrid Models

The survey results showed that the most significant support goes to a flexible hybrid work model. This approach allows individuals to select the most suitable working conditions based on their job requirements. The findings suggest a prevailing attitude of acceptance toward increased in-office days, with many high-class professionals reflecting a mindset that considers working three to two days a week as a standard operational procedure across many organizations.

Insights from Career Consultants

From the perspective of career consultants, the slow return to the office appears to be progressing gradually but steadily. However, some companies continue to uphold fully remote systems, with this rarity enhancing their unique appeal and recruitment capabilities. Job seekers are displaying a shift towards a more accepting attitude regarding office attendance, considering the current situation forces a necessary adaptation to traditional work models.

In companies moving significantly towards requiring more than four days a week in the office, such changes can trigger direct considerations for job seekers in their career transitions.

Flexibility as a Major Theme in Hiring

The necessity for work flexibility remains a crucial theme in the talent market, with changes in working frameworks affecting the risk of losing top talent and competitiveness in recruitment. Companies increasingly recognize that adjusting their work structures is essential to retain and attract high-caliber individuals, reflecting the evolving landscape of employment.

Who is 'High-Class Talent'?

At Kreis & Company, we believe that sustainable motivation extends beyond just salary or position; it must include a core aspiration or 志 (the will to contribute). Professionals who establish meaningful visions and derive fulfillment from their work are highly sought after by various organizations, contributing significantly to both corporate and societal growth. Respondents in this survey reported an average annual salary of ¥11,870,000 and an average age of 37 years.

About the Career Awareness Survey by Kreis & Company

• - Survey Period: October to November 2025
• - Number of Respondents: 210
• - Methodology: An optional online survey conducted among individuals who received career counseling from the company, including multiple-choice questions.

About Kreis & Company

Kreis & Company aims to lead and transform Japan's job market, focusing on assisting high-class individuals in finding roles aligned with their aspirations. The company prioritizes personal fulfillment alongside salary and position to foster meaningful job placements. Contact us at: Kreis & Company

• - Company Address: 2-4-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0021, Japan
• - CEO: Takahiro Maruyama
• - Business: Head-hunting and Human Resources Consulting, licensed under Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan, license number 13-Yu-040184.