Despite Return-to-Office Push, Survey Shows Remote Developers Report Higher Productivity — and Better Mental Health

With the news last month that games maker Electronic Arts will now require staff to work in the office five days a week, it's clear that we are seeing a growing number of tech firms issuing return-to-office mandates and attempting to reverse the hybrid-work norm that developed post-pandemic. Major companies like AT&T, Amazon, Dell Technologies, and Qualcomm have been vocally leading this charge. The latest KPMG CEO Outlook report suggests this view is gaining traction, with 83% of CEOs now expecting a full return to the office within three years—and according to a survey by Littler, more than half of employers are already either increasing or considering increasing in-person requirements.

However, a recent study from BairesDev, a global software outsourcing firm, tells a very different story—one grounded not in the opinions of high-level executives, but in the realities of boots-on-the-ground software engineers. According to BairesDev's polling of 1,000 remote professionals, 87% of software developers report improved mental health since transitioning to remote work—while 90% say they are more productive. These findings suggest that while C-suite sentiment is veering back toward the office, the vast majority credit remote work for allowing them more flexibility and improved overall well-being.

More Than Just a "Perk"

The return-to-office debate often centers on collaboration and productivity, yet it rarely accounts for the emotional toll of the office environment. But in the tech sector—where burnout has long been a silent epidemic—that omission may come at a cost.

A 2024 global study by Boston Consulting Group found that 48% of the global workforce is grappling with burnout. In countries like the US and UK, the number may be much higher: research from Moodle suggests that two-thirds (66%) of American employees are experiencing burnout in 2025, while The Burnout Report 2025 found that 91% of UK adults have been experiencing high or extreme levels of stress in the past year. In terms of the impacts of this, 2024 estimates by the World Health Organization suggest that 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety, at a global cost of US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

Against this backdrop, the BairesDev data shows that remote work is not merely a perk or luxury, but a preventative measure geared towards retaining employees and preventing burnout. According to Rodrigo Outumuro Ortega, Vice President of PeopleX at BairesDev: "Remote work isn't just a perk—it's a game-changer for tech talent and mental health. It breaks down barriers, letting brilliant developers from anywhere, whether it's a small town or a suburb, thrive without uprooting their lives. In a field where burnout runs high, cutting the commute and giving people more control over their schedules means more time for family, health, and recharging activities. That kind of balance isn't just good for people—it fuels better work, longer careers, and stronger teams."

BairesDev: Getting Remote Work Right for Mental Health

As a fully remote company for over 15 years—and one that sources global, remote talent to work on projects by tech giants like Pinterest and eBay—BairesDev has deep expertise in how to optimize and motivate remote workforces.

To that end, BairesDev has built internal structures specifically designed to support mental health across its global team. For example, each developer is assigned a dedicated People Experience Partner, who conducts regular one-to-one check-ins and is trained to recognize signs of burnout. Having a support system in place allows developers to speak up early, before stress spirals. When difficulties appear, the partners take a sensitive approach—and while not everyone needs formal intervention, peer support groups, time off, and therapy reimbursement can all be provided when indicated.

Choosing Trust Over Time-Cards

Beyond the results outlined above, the BairesDev study also established that developer success in remote environments depends far more on trust than on proximity. The overwhelming majority of respondents (94%) said their ability to perform remotely hinges on whether their employer believes they can deliver results. This dynamic reflects a broader shift in how tech teams operate: developers increasingly work asynchronously, communicating through streamlined digital channels and focusing on deliverables rather than hours.

According to the survey, remote work has also contributed to the development of soft skills, with time management, adaptability, and collaboration being cited as key areas of growth. Other research also supports this finding: in particular, one study from Statista found that for 83% of companies, remote-working collaboration on new projects was as good or better than in-person—with 78% of companies saying the same about securing relationships with new customers.

The Real Risk: Losing Tech's Most Valuable Talent

As return-to-office policies accelerate, many tech executives risk alienating the very workers who power their companies' innovation engines. Forcing developers into environments they've already outgrown may not only harm mental health, but can also drive top talent out the door.

Studies like BairesDev's demonstrate that remote work isn't a trend that can be easily reversed. Instead, it's a cultural transformation that developers have already embraced. If companies want to retain the engineers building tomorrow's technology, they'll need to think beyond badge swipes or building occupancy—and focus instead on creating online environments that empower employees to do their best, most fulfilling work.