UK Office Attendance Reaches Pre-Pandemic Levels as Workers Embrace Hybrid Model
Recent reports indicate that average office attendance in the UK has stabilized at its highest level since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, reflecting a shift in workplace dynamics and employee preferences.
Recent data reveals a significant increase in office attendance across the UK, with average occupancy levels reaching their highest point since before the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Remit Consulting's ReTurn report, average office attendance surpassed 40% every week since early January 2026, culminating in a notable 44.2% attendance rate for the week ending February 13, 2026. This marks a pivotal moment in the return to office culture, as the numbers indicate a stabilization rather than a continued decline or recovery.
Investment banks, including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, have been at the forefront of this trend, implementing strict return-to-office mandates. Despite some employee dissatisfaction regarding the requirement to work in the office five days a week, many companies across various sectors are adopting a hybrid model, allowing employees to work remotely for part of the week. This flexibility is becoming increasingly recognized as essential for attracting and retaining talent.
The report highlighted that office occupancy varied significantly across different cities in the UK. For instance, Bristol recorded the highest attendance at 69.2%, followed by Leeds at 64.6% and Cardiff at 63.8%. In contrast, Glasgow had the lowest attendance at 31.6%, reflecting the unique challenges faced by public-sector workers in that region during the pandemic.
Lorna Landells, a partner at Remit Consulting and co-author of the report, emphasized that the current office attendance figures indicate a shift in focus for employers and property developers. She stated, "Office attendance is no longer in freefall nor in recovery mode; it is settling. Employees are more open to being in the office, but only where it feels purposeful and workable. Flexibility is no longer a perk; it is the baseline." This perspective underscores the evolving expectations of employees regarding their work environments.
Despite the positive trend in office attendance, there remains significant resistance to full-time office work. A petition signed by over 2,000 employees of JPMorgan Chase criticized the company's mandate for five days in the office, describing it as a "great leap backward" that negatively impacts employees, customers, and the company's reputation. The petition highlighted concerns about increased traffic, pollution, and the disproportionate effects on women, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities, who often thrive under hybrid work arrangements.
The data also reveals that while some cities have seen a robust return to office life, others, like Glasgow, have lagged behind. Glasgow's office attendance has gradually improved but remains lower than the national average, largely due to stricter Covid-19 restrictions during the pandemic. The report indicates that the city has a high proportion of public-sector workers, which may contribute to the slower return to office occupancy compared to other locations.
Looking ahead, the commercial property sector is responding to the changing landscape of work. According to CoStar, there were 14 new office lettings exceeding 100,000 square feet in the previous year, the highest since 2017. Major firms like JP Morgan and HSBC have recognized the need for larger office spaces after downsizing too much in the wake of the pandemic. This trend suggests a long-term commitment to maintaining substantial office footprints while adapting to hybrid working models.