British employees are increasingly resistant to returning to the office, citing a lack of available desk space and inadequate facilities, according to new research by Remit Consulting. A survey found that 20% of workers listed workspace shortages as one of their top reasons for staying away, a situation that reflects how many businesses reduced office space too drastically after the pandemic-driven shift to remote work.
As companies look to trim costs, several high-profile firms, including insurance giant Aviva and banking behemoth HSBC, have downsized their office footprints. HSBC, for example, plans to vacate its Canary Wharf headquarters in favor of a smaller building near St Paul’s Cathedral.
Elijah Lewis of Remit Consulting stressed that the findings suggest a need for further investigation. He pointed out that the trend could be linked to companies focusing more on meeting and breakout areas at the expense of individual workspaces. Lewis also noted that the survey began examining desk shortages only in November, following feedback from property managers that this had become a growing concern.
The shortage of desk space is not limited to the UK; companies in the United States have faced similar challenges. Retail and tech giant Amazon, for instance, delayed office returns for thousands of employees after realizing there wouldn’t be enough space for everyone to work onsite five days a week.
However, for British workers, the primary reason for avoiding the office remains the hassle and expense of commuting. Noise and distractions within office environments were also significant deterrents. Despite these concerns, office occupancy in the UK reached its highest level since before the pandemic, with attendance surpassing 35% in November — the highest monthly average since Remit’s survey began in May 2021.
Lorna Landells of Remit Consulting noted that the increase in office attendance could be linked to heightened attention on return-to-office mandates. This trend suggests that employees are gradually adjusting to in-person collaboration, which may ease the implementation of stricter attendance policies at some firms.
Remit’s research indicates that businesses emphasizing meetings, collaboration, and networking opportunities are more likely to see consistent employee returns to the office. The survey also revealed that fewer workers are now willing to quit if required to return full-time, suggesting greater acceptance of hybrid working models that include in-office time.
Despite the rise in office occupancy, it remains well below pre-pandemic levels. Before 2020, offices were considered “full” at 60–80% occupancy, accounting for holidays, external meetings, and sick leave. As businesses reassess their office strategies, many are questioning whether the savings from smaller spaces are worth the challenges of accommodating employees who, after years of hybrid work, still need adequate desk space to feel productive.
A recent report by the Centre for Cities showed that London workers are returning to the office at a slower pace than those in cities like Paris and New York. In terms of office mandates, British businesses typically require employees to come in three days per week, a standard behind cities like Sydney, New York, and Singapore.
