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Many UK businesses are now striving to bring employees back to the office after years of remote and hybrid work becoming the norm. However, this shift poses a significant challenge, as our survey reveals that only 28% of 18-24 year old’s are willing to work in full-time office roles.
Many UK businesses are now striving to bring employees back to the office after years of remote and hybrid work becoming the norm. However, this shift poses a significant challenge, as our survey reveals that only 28% of 18-24 year old’s are willing to work in full-time office roles.
Almost half of UK businesses (40%) operate exclusively in the office, how can companies still using a hybrid working model encourage their employees to return to the workplace?
To get a clearer picture of how employees really feel about office culture, we surveyed 1,000 UK adults who work from the office at least one day per week. We asked them what would motivate them to use the office more often and what they need from their employers to make that happen.
Many UK companies have adopted a hybrid working model, blending remote and in-office work. But what are the real reasons for Brits working in the office at least some of the time?
| Reason for working in the office | Percentage of people who agree |
|---|---|
| Required to be in the office a set number of times a week | 55% |
| The ability to build relationships with colleagues | 30% |
| Feel more productive in the office | 27% |
| Enjoy going into the office as they see colleagues as friends | 20% |
| Going into the office helps set clearer work-life boundaries | 20% |
Many companies today are making office work mandatory again, either for a certain number of days each week or full-time. In fact, more than half of the people surveyed (55%) said that the primary reason they spend time in the office is because their company requires them to be there a certain number of times each week.
Just under a third (30%) of respondents believe that they can build better relationships with colleagues when working from the office, and just over a quarter (27%)—feel more productive there. The enjoyment of going into the office, whether for social reasons or to establish clearer work-life boundaries, is relatively low, with just 20% agreeing on each of these points. Distractions at home are not a significant issue for most, with only 12% choosing the office over remote work to avoid them. So, while some employees do see the benefits of in-office work, office spaces need to work harder than ever before to attract people back.
Simply offering a place to work is no longer enough; businesses need to consider the activities of their employees to ensure the office gives choice. Whilst the space needs to enhance collaboration and socialisation, we’re seeing more and more that the office is not the main reason employees are commuting. Instead, it is to visit friends or go to the gym and the location of the office helps support these activities.
Even though a lot of people are called back to the office, our survey shows that most aren’t seeing any real perks compared to working from home. This means it’s time for companies to up their game and make the office a place employees actually want to spend their time.
Our survey revealed that over half of UK employees (56%) feel their current office doesn't meet their needs, and 61% wish for a better atmosphere. This response makes sense when considering that, before hybrid working became the norm, offices were vibrant hubs of activity where employees worked together, exchanging ideas and solving problems in person. Office culture was the backbone of corporate life, and today many businesses are struggling to recreate that same energy in a virtual environment.
Not only this, but a further 56% say they would work from the office more often if the space was upgraded to suit their preferences. So, what changes do employees want to see in their offices to make them more appealing?
| Item or feature | Percentage of people who wish they had this in their office |
|---|---|
| Refreshments, including free snacks, coffee machine and free soft drinks | 37% |
| Car parking | 37% |
| Meeting rooms | 31% |
| Plants | 29% |
| Personal storage e.g lockers, drawers | 28% |
| Specifically allocated desks | 27% |
| Breakout space including sofa | 27% |
| Ergonomic office setup, including second screen, chair, keyboard and mouse | 27% |
| Private kitchen | 27% |
| Access to a gym | 25% |
| Outdoor working space, i.e. rooftop or balcony | 25% |
The top desired office feature is refreshments, such as snacks, coffee machines and free soft drinks. 37% of UK employees say they would appreciate these in their office, and many cite that this would boost their productivity too. Having these available can not only boost morale, but saves employees’ spending extra money too. Interestingly, marketing, advertising, and PR employees value snacks the most, with 67% in these fields wanting them.
While many businesses in London rely on public transport to commute to their offices, other companies around the UK will often rely on driving. Car parking ranks as one of the top wants for UK employees. Just under half (45%) of our respondents don’t have car parking at their offices, and 37% say they want it available.
Our survey also showed that employees value the physical environment around them in their office spaces. Just under a third (31%) wish they had meeting rooms available. Despite meeting rooms being the most common office feature, with 62% of people reporting that their workplace has them, that still leaves a substantial 38% without meeting rooms at all. Yet, these can be invaluable for a business's operations, offering a private space for employees to work together in a professional environment.
Leeson Medhurst, Head of Workplace Strategy says, “Meeting rooms are crucial for many UK companies. Not only do these offer room for privacy and focus, but provide a dedicated space where employees can come together to discuss ideas, make important decisions and engage with clients face-to-face.”
A further 29% express a desire for biophilia around the office. Greenery has numerous benefits for boosting employee performance, and not just for aesthetic appeal. Indoor plants have been proven to boost mood, which in turn can improve employee comfort and efficiency at work. After all, who wouldn’t want to work in a more attractive office? Creating a pleasant, visually appealing space is a powerful way to encourage users to spend more time in spaces and draw people away from their own home.
28% said they’d like personal storage space with an additional 27% wanting specifically allocated desks. This shows the importance of allowing employees to personalise their own office space to accommodate their needs. That could be why an ergonomic office set-up (27%) is also important.
Breakout spaces were also a priority, with 27% saying they wish they had these in their office, and even more (30%) saying that these spaces would make them feel more comfortable in their office surroundings.
Leeson says, “Creating a comfortable and inspiring workspace is vital for performance helping employees stay energised and feel valued. Things like personal storage space and breakout spaces can be really beneficial as they provide a relaxed, informal setting away from the desk, ideal for a coffee break or a casual chat with colleagues, providing both comfort and collaboration in the workplace.”
Other office wants include a private kitchen (27%), access to a gym (25%) and an outdoor working space (25%). Leeson comments, “Office layout is often overlooked by business owners, but these changes can have a significant impact on the well-being of employees.
“Studies show that utilising office space and providing convenient amenities like private and personal spaces, as well as office aesthetics, can boost mood and encourage a productive workforce. That’s why things like private kitchens, outdoor areas and interior design are so important for encouraging employees to make the commute and spend time at the office.”
Our survey reveals that 53% of UK employees find their current office boring and uninspiring. With more than half of the workforce feeling this way, it's no wonder that getting people excited about coming into the office can be a challenge. But what else, other than basic amenities, can employers do to make the office a place people actually want to be?
To help out businesses looking to phase in office working once again, Leeson Medhurst at Peldon Rose shares top tips on how to make an office space more inviting:
"Office space planning is the best way to utilise space and create a more inspiring environment. Think vibrant colours, comfortable seating areas, and mood-boosting biophilia.
“Design areas that encourage easy collaboration, as well as quiet spots where employees can relax and recharge. These elements can significantly boost productivity. When the workspace is enjoyable and dynamic, employees are much more likely to want to spend time there.
“A workplace strategy can help transform your office space, capture the personality of your business, and ultimately unlock your business’s full potential.”
“To make your office more appealing and encourage employees to come in more often, it’s essential to consider practical aspects like parking, commute options, and personalised workspaces, in addition to an overall office fit-out.
“Provide personal lockers or secure storage areas where employees can keep their belongings. This not only helps reduce clutter in the office but also gives employees peace of mind.
“Allow employees to personalise their workstations with options like adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and multiple monitor setups. Providing a budget for personal office items, such as desk lamps, keyboard trays, or footrests, can help employees feel valued.”
“The best way to find out what will motivate your employees to come into the office is simple—ask them! Whether it's through casual conversations, online meetings, or a detailed survey, hearing their opinions is a great way to get started with designing a welcoming and comfortable office space.
“Once you gather their feedback, focus on the common themes and consider incorporating those ideas into your office environment. By creating a space that feels inviting and comfortable, you'll make the office a place where employees actually want to spend their time. This will in turn impact productivity, which goes hand in hand with profit.”
A survey of 1,000 UK employees who work in the office at least once a week was conducted in August 2024.
Expert commentary was provided by Leeson Medhurst, Head of Workplace Strategy.
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