Hybrid Work Persists in Israeli Tech Despite Return-to-Office Push

Despite a global trend towards mandatory office returns, hybrid work arrangements remain prevalent in Israel's high-tech sector. Data from recruitment firm Gotfriends indicates that in the first half of 2026, only 12% of tech positions offered no remote work option. A significant portion, 31%, allowed one day of remote work per week, and 48% permitted two days, demonstrating that most roles still offer some form of hybrid flexibility.

This contrasts with major tech companies like Wix, which mandated a full five-day office return in early 2026, following similar moves by global giants such as Disney, Tesla, Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft. These companies have increasingly tightened their in-office policies, citing the need for in-person collaboration and productivity.

However, Gotfriends CEO Shiri Vex notes that while employees still desire flexibility, the tech industry downturn has weakened their bargaining power. She observes that only about 20% of candidates are willing to work five days a week in the office, with 50% now open to just one remote day, up from 40% previously. Vex warns that companies abandoning flexibility entirely might struggle to attract top talent when the market tightens again.

Conversely, some companies, like DoiT and Warmy, embrace fully remote models, emphasizing output over hours and utilizing tools to maintain team cohesion. DoiT offers employees flexibility in choosing workspaces, while Warmy employs staff globally across 14 countries. Concentrix Israel adopts a varied approach, with roles ranging from fully remote to five days in the office, determined by client needs. Zero Networks mandates four days in the office, allowing employees to choose their remote day, believing shared presence enhances collaboration and learning, especially for complex technical products.