KPMG’s latest CEO Outlook survey makes for grim reading for those currently enjoying remote and hybrid working.

Out of 1,300 global CEOs of some of the world’s largest businesses, two-thirds (68%) predict a full return to in-office working by 2026.

And worse still, 87% of leaders believe financial rewards, favourable assignments, and promotion opportunities will be linked to office attendance in the future.

Though the pandemic upended decades-long ways of working, return-to-office mandates have come in thick and fast over the last year, and most companies are currently operating a hybrid model.

Pushes towards in-office working have already created tensions between leadership and employees, so further turbulence is to be expected should the C-suite expect a five-day week to be completed in person.

As workers face inflation and cost of living struggles amid stagnant wages, the costs associated with commuting in and out of an office weigh heavier.

And these costs aren’t just financial; the time spent commuting is time missed with family, completing necessary chores, preparing food, and exercising.

ESG and AI are also hot topics

Aside from talent, ESG (environmental, social and governance) and disruptive technology are both hot topics for CEOs right now.

Almost a quarter (24%) believe that over the next three years, ESG will have the greatest impact on customer relationships, and a further 16% say it will help build brand reputation.

Generative AI is changing every sector, and companies (and employees) who implement it effectively, and leverage its potential will have the advantage.

Some 70% of CEOs are investing heavily in AI as their competitive edge for the future, and half expect to see a return on this investment in three to five years. Increased profitability was cited as the number one benefit of implementing generative AI within an organisation.

Growth predicted

The survey also reports that three-quarters (77%) are confident in the growth prospects of their own company, compared to 73% in 2022.

The top risks to growth are listed as geopolitical and political uncertainty, operational issues, emerging/disruptive tech, supply chains, regulatory concerns, environmental/climate change, interest rates, cyber security, reputational risk, and talent.

While there’s plenty of overlap of concerns with 2022, talent is a new entry for this year.

Nhlamu Dlomu, Global Head of People at KPMG says, “The war for talent may have softened in this period of economic uncertainty, but the evidence suggests a one-size-fits-all approach to return-to-office could be detrimental.”

CEOs must make decisions on critical issues like returning to pre-pandemic ways of working, and understand how this will impact how they support, attract and retain talent over the next three years.

Unimpressed by your organisation’s return-to-office, ESG and AI plans? Check out the Finextra Jobs Board today to see what else is on offer, like these.

Software Engineer / Senior Software Engineer, Diamond Light Source, Didcot

The UK’s national synchrotron science facility is hiring a Software Engineer to work at Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire’s Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. Though primarily based onsite, some home working is available, and the successful candidate will design and develop new micro-servers and websites, provide input to scientific software architecture, develop integrations, and work on escalated issues by providing support to the User Office. Applicants will be considered at either Grade 5 or 4 (senior), depending on the strength of their skills, experience and qualifications, and should have a degree in engineering, computer science or have equivalent experience. Apply here.

AI - Data Scientist, Manager, PwC, Manchester

Tech Central is PwC’s technology-focused function that works alongside other teams in the business, and is fuelled by ingenuity, collaboration and innovation. It’s currently hiring an AI - Data Scientist Manager to lead the development of strategic data science engagements with key clients, and be accountable for the delivery of core data science assets. Practical experience in delivering valuable advanced analytics projects and/or assets is required, as is engagement experience with technical and senior stakeholders, while technically, the ideal applicants will know Python for data science, SQL for data processing, Git for version control, and Azure / GCP Cloud. See more about this role here.

Partner AI Solutions - Technical Architect, Salesforce, England

With a focus on AI, data and CRM, Salesforce is blazing new trails and attracting talent interested in change. Now hiring multiple Technical Architects in Partner AI Solutions, the successful candidates will work in its AI Solutions team, which is focused on assessment and evangelisation through the sharing of the Salesforce AI story, and co-creating solutions with its partner ecosystem. These Technical Architects will collaborate with partners during solution-development cycles – specifically providing expertise on AI product solutions –, and will paint a solution vision, architect the system, and provide guidance to internal and partner teams during the implementation. Required qualifications include 8+ years enterprise architecture or consulting experience, and there will be both regional and occasional international travel. Find out more here.

Want a new job in 2024? Check out the Finextra Job board today