Average UK Office Attendance ‘Settling’ at Highest Level Since Before Covid

Why It Matters

The rebound in occupancy reshapes demand for office space, influencing leasing strategies and workplace design, while highlighting ongoing tension between employer mandates and employee flexibility.

Key Takeaways

• UK office attendance reaches 44% highest since 2020
• Investment banks enforce five‑day office mandates despite employee pushback
• Regional occupancy varies; Bristol 69%, Glasgow 32%
• Hybrid work remains baseline; flexibility drives future office design
• New office lettings up 100% year‑over‑year, signaling long‑term demand

Pulse Analysis

The latest Remit Consulting ReTurn report shows UK office attendance stabilising at 44 % in early February, the strongest level since the March 2020 lockdown. While still well below the 60‑80 % pre‑pandemic norm, the figure marks a clear departure from the free‑fall observed in 2022‑23. Investment banks such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase have driven the uptick with strict five‑day return‑to‑office policies, even as employee petitions highlight growing fatigue with mandatory on‑site work. The data suggests that the market is moving from a recovery phase to a new equilibrium where hybrid arrangements are the default rather than a perk.

Geographic variation underscores how local economies shape the return. Bristol leads with 69 % occupancy, while Glasgow lags near 32 %, reflecting its public‑sector composition and stricter pandemic restrictions. Developers are responding by emphasizing flexible floor plates, collaborative zones, and wellness amenities that justify the higher cost of being on‑site. As Lorna Landells notes, the focus has shifted from merely filling desks to creating purposeful work environments that align with employee expectations. This design‑centric approach is becoming a competitive differentiator for landlords seeking to attract and retain tenants in a market where hybrid work is now baseline.

The resurgence in occupancy is already influencing commercial real‑estate pipelines. CoStar recorded 14 new lettings exceeding 100,000 sq ft last year—double the 2024 volume—and major banks such as JPMorgan and HSBC have reclaimed sizable footprints after earlier downsizing. Yet occupiers are adopting smarter usage models, closing floors on low‑traffic days to curb waste while preserving collaboration on peak days. This hybrid‑first strategy signals a longer‑term commitment to office space, albeit with a focus on efficiency and employee experience, reshaping investment theses for REITs and property funds.