Almost half of UK companies now expect employees to be in the office five days a week, according to industry research, signalling a marked shift away from the hybrid arrangements that became common after the pandemic.
The move is most pronounced in consumer-facing businesses and manufacturing, although it is also being adopted by some financial and professional services firms. Employers cite collaboration, training and culture as key reasons for increasing in-person working.
Recent polling suggests the change may prove unpopular with many workers. Surveys indicate that more than half of UK professionals would consider quitting if required to work full-time in the office, with women more likely than men to say they would leave. Commuting costs, loss of flexibility and work-life balance are among the main concerns.
Boots invests in facilities to support office return
Boots, which operates more than 1,800 health and beauty stores across the UK, will require its support office staff to be on site five days a week from September. The retailer is making changes to office facilities, including upgraded IT systems, improved Wi-Fi, new quiet spaces, better parking and enhanced catering.
Other companies, including several in the finance sector, have also announced stricter attendance requirements this year. Housebuilder Vistry confirmed in August that all staff would return to the office full time, citing the benefits of collaboration and improved knowledge-sharing across teams.
HR experts advise incentives over enforcement
Charles Butterworth, managing director at HR platform Access People, said companies should focus on encouragement over enforcement.
“[T]aking a gentle approach rather than threatening penalties is likely to increase morale in the office when employees do return,” he said.
“With the right incentives in place, employees can rediscover benefits of working in their office, which range from collaboration and creativity to the feeling of purpose and sense of belonging it can provide. This will help to make the transition back into working in the office five days a week a smooth process for everyone working for the business.”
Access People advises that organisations bringing staff back full-time are using measures such as training programmes on change, stress and time management, delivered through e-learning platforms, employee feedback systems to identify and address recurring issues, and recognition schemes to strengthen workplace relationships.
Wellbeing benefits including holiday purchase options, employee assistance programmes, cycle-to-work schemes and electric vehicle incentives are also being offered.
Firms introduce measures to monitor attendance
Some employers are also stepping up monitoring. Professional services company PwC has confirmed the use of a “traffic-light” dashboard, based on building entry and network usage data, to track how often staff are in the office. Persistent low attendance can trigger performance discussions.
The full-time return trend comes as new flexible working legislation takes effect in 2025, allowing employees to request flexibility from their first day in a role. Employers can refuse requests on business grounds, meaning attendance policies will continue to vary across sectors.
While more organisations are calling staff back full time, hybrid arrangements remain in place for many. Around 40% of UK workers still spend at least part of the week at home, reflecting the continuing demand for flexibility alongside the push for more in-person collaboration.
