Navigating the Return to In-office Software Developer Jobs

There’s no denying that for many people, WFH is a fantastic perk that never gets old. No commuting, zero small talk, sweatpants and Spotify playlists? Bliss. 

Nearly 20% of employed adults in New Zealand work mostly from home, a figure that has increased by about 60% since 2018. Although fully remote software developer jobs did indeed boom in New Zealand for a while, businesses are getting bolder about asking people to come back into the office.  

As it’s no longer 2019, even three days back on site can feel like a massive adjustment (and we don’t blame you). But here’s the twist: returning to the office can be genuinely good for your career, sometimes in subtle ways, and not just because managers can keep an eye on you.  

Back to Office: What’s Actually Happening in NZ 

Across Aotearoa, we’re seeing an increasing return-to-office (RTO) push across tech roles including product, data and development. 

The new norm is hybrid working with 3-4 days in-office, and flexibility around start and finish times to take the edge off the early alarm clock. 

Employers are starting to see in-person work as a necessary ingredient for project delivery, a healthy workplace culture and consistent performance at individual and team level. 

Why the In-Office Movement Is Happening 

So, what’s behind the movement back to desks, whiteboards, and “quick chats”? Here are a few themes we’re hearing about in tech recruitment conversations: 

• Better collaboration. It’s easier to riff on ideas, solve tricky problems and get quick input when everyone’s in the same space. 
• Fewer silos. In-office teams tend to communicate more naturally across disciplines, from design to QA to product, which (unsurprisingly) leads to better products. 
• Stronger relationships. When you see your team regularly, you build stronger bonds with them. Having that sense of trust and rapport can help you break out of the isolation rut that sometimes comes with working remotely full-time. 
• Quicker learning. Junior devs and even mid-level engineers build their skills faster when they’re surrounded by experienced people they can learn from in real time. 

Why It Matters for Your Career 

We get it - remote gigs are comfy. But staying too remote for too long could limit your professional growth. Here’s why returning to the office (even partially) could give your career a nudge: 

• You’ll sharpen your soft skills. Communication, collaboration and leadership are all easier to build when you’re not a face on a screen. 
• You’ll learn more, faster. There’s real value in overhearing how someone solves a bug or approaches a code review. 
• You’ll be more visible. It’s easier to spot (and be spotted for) stretch opportunities, new projects, and even internal promotions. 
• You’ll build your network. The people you meet at work could be your next co-founders, mentors, or collaborators. 

Hybrid isn’t a punishment. It’s a way to get the best of both worlds: deep work at home, creative collaboration in-office. 

Tips for Success in a New Work Environment 

If RTO is starting to feel inevitable, the question becomes: how do you make it work for you? 

Here are a few back to office tips: 

1. Make the most of in-office days. 
Prioritise face-to-face interactions. Book coffee catchups, sit in on meetings, pair-program when you can. 

2. Set clear boundaries. 
Just because you’re back in the office doesn’t mean you can’t have flexibility. Be upfront about your preferred hours or WFH days. 

3. Show up with intention. 
Use in-person time to contribute to discussions, ask questions, and be a team player. It doesn’t go unnoticed. 

4. Keep remote working ‘muscles’ strong. 
Don’t ditch your async tools or good documentation habits. Hybrid and full-time office weeks still rely on strong digital comms. 

5. Reframe your mindset. 
Instead of thinking I have to go in, try I get to learn, connect, and grow faster in person. You’d be surprised what a mindset tweak can do. 

6. Map out a new routine that works for you. 
Going back into the office means reshuffling your day, which can feel like a shock to the system. Take time to plan your mornings. Make peace with the commute (podcasts help!) and build in time for breaks and deep work. The goal isn’t to replicate your WFH routine. Instead, find ways to create a new one that supports your energy, focus, and wellbeing. 

Key Takeaways 

Remote work has been a mainstay of tech roles for a long time, and in recent years it opened a whole new vista of freedom in software developer jobs. But in-office time might just give your career momentum. 

Whether you’re currently job hunting or weighing up a move, it’s worth considering the potential benefits of getting back into the office (at least a few days a week). Your future self might just thank you for it. 

Find The Role You Want with Tech Recruitment Know-How 

Chatting with a tech recruiter who gets the dev world can help you figure out your next step. At Digital Garage, we know the market for software developer jobs inside out, and we’re here to help you find a role that fits your life and levels up your career. Drop us a line or give us a call today.