According to Sequoia’s 2025 Wellbeing Trends Report, hybrid work models have become the norm, with 59% of companies adopting this approach. As large employers such as Amazon, Google, and Apple announce return to office mandates, growing companies are considering their own return to office strategy. For HR and benefits leaders, supporting employees through the return to office (RTO) transition is a top priority to avoid a negative impact on employee morale and retention. This blog explores how intentional and meaningful benefits can facilitate a smooth RTO process, ensuring employee wellbeing and productivity.
The Importance of Offering Intentional and Meaningful On-site Benefits
With a return to office mandate, employees are looking for reasons as to why being physically in the office can benefit them. Simply changing work location can work against an employee who now must navigate logistics related to childcare, household tasks, or commuting costs. So how can companies make the physical office space more appealing?
In 2025, onsite social and team-building events are prevalent, with 93% and 89% of companies offering these activities, respectively. These events foster a sense of community and collaboration, essential for a cohesive work environment. Notion, an all-in-one workspace for your documents, projects, knowledge, and AI tools, asks employees to be in one of their 2 U.S. offices twice a week, with a third team collaboration day. To support their in-office culture, Notion offers free lunch daily, monthly social events often in partnership with their Affinity groups, pop-up treats in the middle of the day organized by a dedicated team, and a program called “Walk & Talks” where Notion pays for the coffees of employees when they go to a local coffee shop with a co-worker.
“We have found that being in the office makes it easier to collaborate. You can see a co-worker as you walk down the hallway and quickly follow-up on what you need. Notion has made it easier by providing surprise and delight moments while we are physically in the office.” – Vina Levin, Global Benefits Manager at Notion
The Sequoia Wellbeing Trends report also found a potential shift towards more impactful activities, such as organized volunteering events. Currently, 54% of employers offer these, with an additional 29% planning to introduce them this year. Volunteering not only provides a sense of purpose but also helps build meaningful relationships among coworkers, connecting them over shared values and combating loneliness.
Onsite health fairs are another benefit poised for growth. With 29% of employers currently offering these events and 30% planning to do so in 2025, health fairs can significantly enhance employee wellbeing. They provide access to health screenings, wellness resources, and promote a culture of health within the workplace. This past Open Enrollment period, Notion expanded their onsite health fair by organizing multiple programs and vendors, including onsite vaccine clinics, onsite dental cleanings, and CPR training.
Supporting Caregivers During the Return to Office Transition
Parents face unique challenges when transitioning back to the office. The daily routine of commuting, coupled with the need to manage school drop-offs and pick-ups, can be overwhelming. Additionally, finding reliable childcare can be a significant stressor, especially if previous arrangements have changed or become unavailable.
Balancing work with caregiving responsibilities requires thoughtful support from employers. Childcare and caregiving solutions are helpful benefits that can ease this burden. Offering back-up care reimbursement and membership to a vetted network of care providers is one way to help parents. Currently, 17% of companies who require five days a week in the office, and 14% of hybrid companies, are offering a childcare solution.
Care concierge support is another way an employer can make a significant difference for employees who have grown accustomed to a more flexible working arrangement. These solutions aim to assist caregivers with the administrative and logistical challenges of caring for someone with high needs. Employers requiring five days a week in the office are the most likely to offer such a solution with 26% currently offering and 13% planning to explore as a benefit in 2026.
Offering a Lifestyle Spending Account for New and Unexpected Expenses
Lifestyle spending accounts (LSAs) are emerging as a popular benefit, particularly among employers requiring full-time office attendance. Currently, 13% of these employers offer an LSA, but this number is expected to rise to 48% in the next year. LSAs provide reimbursement for a range of expenses aimed at helping employees manage their work-life balance. These can include commuting costs, dog-walking services, childcare, or at-home meal kits.
At Notion, they’ve designed their LSA to support the work of employees. Eligible use cases include getting to and from work, care for children, elders, or pets in the household while working, meals while working, or general wellness needs like physical fitness, nutrition, or mental health. Notion offers $175 per month, and they see, on average, 91% monthly utilization amongst its hybrid workforce.
By offering LSAs, employers demonstrate their commitment to supporting employees’ diverse needs, making the return to office transition smoother and more manageable.
Thoughtful Leadership and Communication
A successful return to office transition requires more than just benefits; it demands thoughtful leadership and clear communication. Employees need to understand that the decision to return to the office was made with their wellbeing in mind. Transparent communication about the reasons behind the transition and the benefits available to support them can help build trust and ensure a positive experience.
Conclusion
As we move through 2025, the return to office transition presents both challenges and opportunities. By offering intentional and meaningful benefits, HR and benefits leaders can support their employees effectively, ensuring a smooth and successful transition. From onsite social events and health fairs to caregiving solutions and lifestyle spending accounts, these benefits play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and productive work environment. To learn more about additional wellbeing trends that may benefit your company, download our report here.
