Three years ago, the working world, including the actuarial industry, was turned upside down as the global shift to remote work began. What was initially expected to last a few weeks turned into years and fundamentally reshaped how actuaries and professionals across different industries approached their work. Now, in 2025, many employers are phasing employees back into the office full-time or through hybrid schedules. For those in actuarial jobs, this shift can bring both opportunities and challenges.

The actuarial profession, known for its analytical mindset and reliance on collaboration, adapted impressively to remote work. Actuaries found ways to stay productive while enjoying more flexibility, time with family, and better work-life balance. But returning to the office means adjustments need to be made, including childcare coordination, pet care, commuting expenses, and simply reacclimating to in-person interactions.

If you’re navigating this transition, especially within an actuarial career, here are a few tips to ease the shift and set yourself up for success:

Talk to your manager about what the return to office will look like. Are you expected back in the office full-time, or is it a hybrid model? For actuaries who thrived in a remote environment, a hybrid schedule may maintain productivity while reaping the benefits of face-to-face collaboration. Understanding expectations early will help manage stress and set realistic goals.

Managing a return to the office requires support at home, so conversations with family are crucial. Discuss how the return to office affects daily routines like childcare, carpooling, and household chores, and start to line up babysitters, dog walkers, or cleaning services. A shared understanding will help maintain balance and minimize friction. You can also consider time-saving solutions like grocery delivery or meal kits, these can be helpful during the transition.

Going back to a commute means a big change to your morning routine. Start considering how long it takes to make breakfast, pack lunch, and get out the door. Check traffic apps to evaluate how much time you need for your commute. You may be dealing with traffic pattern changes and mass transit schedule updates. Preparation will help you avoid surprises once the return becomes official. Actuarial work demands focus, and being prepared helps you start your day with clarity.

Returning to the office doesn’t mean sacrificing your at home self-care routine. Consider new options such as a lunchtime walk, meditation session, or a podcast during your commute, and carve out moments to recharge. A healthy mind supports better analytical thinking, an essential trait for any actuary!

Returning to the office is anopportunity to build in-person connections with colleagues and to increase your professional network. For many actuaries, mentoring, brainstorming sessions, and casual conversations help deepen professional development. Face-to-face interactions can unlock new insights and career opportunities that are harder to achieve over Zoom.

During remote work, it was easy to blur the lines between home and office. With the return to the office, it is important to set firm boundaries to protect personal time. That might mean no emails after dinner or blocking time for focused, uninterrupted work, which is vital for those in demanding actuarial jobs.

While the shift back to the office may feel overwhelming, it also presents new possibilities. Actuaries returning to the office can take advantage of impromptu mentorship moments, collaborative problem-solving, and increased visibility within their teams. Although remote work is often a preference, it’s important to remain open to the benefits of the office environment. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just launching your actuarial career, returning to the office can be an opportunity for growth. With preparation, communication, and the right mindset, you can successfully navigate this next chapter, balancing the demands of actuarial work with the quality of life you’ve come to value.

DW Simpson has grown to become the largest actuarial recruiting firm because of our consistent results. Over the last 30+ years, DW Simpson has placed actuaries in jobs at all levels, from C-suite roles to students, and in all actuarial disciplines. We are constantly growing and evolving as recruiters and industry knowledge leaders, with an eye towards becoming more effective, better educated, and continuing to drive success for our clients and candidates. DW Simpson also provides the industries’ most trusted actuarial salary survey