San José, Costa Rica, January 8, 2026. Hybrid work models are strengthening as a structural component of
Costa Rica’s investment climate. This is reflected in the most recent CINDE survey, conducted at the end of 2025, of multinational companies established nationally. The study shows that these companies not only demonstrate a high level of adoption of flexible work models, but also a clear evolution in how they design their work operations – particularly in the corporate services sector.
According to the results, more than 80% of the
multinational companies that participated in the survey currently operate under hybrid models. Although this figure remains stable compared to the same survey conducted at the end of 2024, relevant changes are evident in these models’ design, purpose, and level of sophistication.
“Unlike the early years of adoption, hybrid work is no longer a temporary response; it has become a strategic business decision. Today, companies are not debating whether the hybrid model works, but rather how to make it more efficient, sustainable, and aligned with their long-term objectives,” explained Vanessa Gibson, Director of Investment Climate at CINDE.
From Flexibility to Operational StrategyThe survey examined variables such as productivity, talent attraction and retention, operational continuity, costs, organizational culture, and employee experience, and found that the hybrid model is directly linked to the country’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
Among the key findings, productivity and access to
specialized talent have emerged as the primary drivers for maintaining flexible models, ranking above factors that dominated the conversation in previous years, such as the pandemic or the reduction of short-term operational costs.
How Is the Hybrid Model Applied in Practice?From an operational standpoint, the study indicates that the hybrid model varies. Among the companies that implement it:
1. Most have on-site presence between two and three days per week.
2. Models requiring four to five on-site days are less common and generally correspond to specific functions, critical processes, or regulatory requirements.
3. On-site work is prioritized for high-value activities such as collaboration, team leadership, training, innovation, and strategic decision-making.
“The hybrid model is no longer measured in fixed days. Today, it is designed around what delivers the greatest value to the business and to talent, depending on the role and on the moment within the operational cycle,” added CINDE’s Investment Climate Director.
Ongoing Challenges in Hybrid Work Models The main identified challenges include low motivation to attend on-site, non-compliance with established on-site schedules, a reduced sense of belonging, and lower participation in corporate activities.
“The survey also showed how certain structural conditions in Costa Rica allow the hybrid model to operate, in many cases, as an adaptation mechanism in response to infrastructure and mobility challenges that affect both the talent experience and operational efficiency. This unquestionably represents a challenge for local operations in relation to global requirements. Today, the availability of hybrid models determines the ability to access qualified talent — and acts as a key retention mechanism — as employees are increasingly less willing to commute to the office,” Gibson added.
While hybrid model adoption remains high, the year-over-year analysis shows greater clarity in internal guidelines, a reduction in fully remote structures, and a strengthening of more structured hybrid models, with better-defined policies and clearer performance metrics.
About CINDECINDE is Costa Rica’s expert and strategic guide for investment, business development, and talent initiatives. Thanks to their over 44 years of experience in supporting multinational companies and acting as a key player in the country’s investment ecosystem, CINDE has launched dozens of programs to strengthen local talent as a key element of Costa Rica’s business climate, and has helped establish more than 450 multinational companies in the country.
