UK Office Attendance Stabilizes at Highest Level Since Pre-Pandemic Era
Average office attendance across the United Kingdom has reached a significant milestone, settling at the highest level observed since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the latest ReTurn report from Remit Consulting, the weekly average office occupancy stood at 44.2% for the period ending 13 February, marking a notable recovery from the drastic declines experienced during lockdowns.
Consistent Growth Above 40% Threshold
Since early January, office attendance has consistently remained above the 40% mark every week, demonstrating a steady upward trajectory. The figure dipped slightly to 42.2% in the week to 20 February, largely due to the half-term holiday, but rebounded to 44.1% the following week. This pattern indicates that the initial phases of recovery and freefall have given way to a more stable, settled trend in workplace habits.
Regional Variations in Office Occupancy
The consultancy's data reveals considerable disparities in office attendance across nine major UK cities. In the week to 27 February, Bristol led with an impressive 69.2% occupancy, followed by Leeds at 64.6%, Cardiff at 63.8%, Edinburgh at 53.7%, and Manchester at 50.7%. Birmingham recorded 42.3%, London 41.5%, Newcastle upon Tyne 39.3%, and Glasgow 31.6%. These figures highlight how regional factors, such as local economic conditions and public sector employment levels, influence return-to-office rates.
Expert Insights on the Settling Trend
Lorna Landells, a partner at Remit Consulting and co-author of the report, emphasized that office attendance is no longer in a state of flux. "Office attendance is no longer in freefall nor in recovery mode; it is settling," she stated. "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." Landells added that the focus has shifted from whether people will return to what kind of office experience genuinely supports modern work practices, with workplace design playing a crucial role in driving attendance.
Corporate Push and Employee Resistance
Investment banks like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase have been at the forefront of enforcing strict return-to-office mandates, requiring employees to work from the office five days a week. However, this approach has sparked significant resistance. More than 2,000 of JPMorgan Chase's global employees signed a petition criticizing the mandate as a "great leap backward" that exacerbates traffic, pollution, and disproportionately affects women, caregivers, senior employees, and individuals with disabilities. The petition argues that hybrid work rules have enabled diversity and inclusion, contradicting the bank's public commitments.
Long-Term Commitments to Office Spaces
Despite the ongoing debate over remote work, a growing number of companies are making long-term commitments to large office buildings. According to CoStar, there were 14 new office lettings exceeding 100,000 square feet in the past year, the joint highest since 2017 and double the number from 2024. Firms like JP Morgan and HSBC have each secured approximately 200,000 square feet, recognizing they had downsized too aggressively post-pandemic. Knight Frank notes that while hybrid work is the norm, companies are planning for peak occupancy days, accepting some inefficiency to have teams together when it matters.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Pre-pandemic office occupancy levels typically ranged between 60% and 80%, accounting for factors like sickness and holidays. The current settling trend suggests a new equilibrium, where flexibility and purposeful office use are key. As expectations stabilize, the quality and functionality of workplace environments will increasingly influence attendance rates, shaping the future of work in the UK.
