You can’t escape the talk of working from home. Thousands are being told to return in person, full-time, despite not having been in the office for two days per week. In the UK, business working patterns have changed dramatically over the past decade. This culminated in the pandemic as many offices were vacated. We are now witnessing an increase in the number of people returning to their workplace. Sophie Turnball shares her views on the latest office trends, and what organisations should consider when choosing the location of their staff.
The modern workplace has been transformed by the shift to hybrid working. Employees have the legal right to request flexible work from the first day they are employed. The hours, the start and end times, as well as the location can be included. The employer must respond to the request in an appropriate manner by assessing both advantages and disadvantages and considering alternative options. Many organizations have already adopted the hybrid model, but business leaders should always consider if it is sustainable. When employees are working remotely, it can be difficult to gauge productivity. It is therefore important to consider the overall performance of the business.
Hybrid work is a democratic and flexible way to approach the workplace. It gives employees more control over their personal and professional life. In many cases, achieving a good balance between home and work is crucial to success. In order to achieve this, managers need to be aware of the challenges their employees face, such as burnout, mental fatigue and digital exhaustion, as well as what workplace culture they’re fostering.
Orega’s Future of Work Report analysed the attitudes of more than 2,000 office workers, as well as 500 business leaders, to discuss workspace trends and preferences in future workplace environments. The report found that collaboration, productivity, and access to technology were the three most important reasons why people are in the office. The report found that 31% want their employees to be in the office each day. 28% wanted them there four days a working week. 30% wanted them two or three days per week.
Orega, as a flexible workspace provider recognises hybrid working will be here to stay. Its workspaces reflect this change, whether employees require a full-time desk, work in a hybrid pattern or need a solution for co-working. Here are some benefits of going back to work.
In-person collaboration
Working in person offers many benefits, including improved collaboration, stronger bonds between team members, easier communication and better access to resources. It also allows for a clearer separation of work and life, more networking opportunities, and a greater sense of the company’s culture. All of these factors contribute to increased productivity and employee satisfaction compared to remote working. In-person events are also crucial for building long-term relations. Harvard Business Review conducted a survey in which 95% of respondents said that face-to-face meeting had better results. Orega Marlow has dedicated breakout spaces and meeting rooms that encourage teamwork and discussions. We offer flexible passes. For example, a company can rent an office for 10 people, but allow 15 employees to come and go as needed.
Workplace Culture
Nurturing relationships at work can improve morale and wellbeing. Even taking a break to chat or grab coffee can bring a breather to a home office where you’re glued to your screen. Discussions amongst co-workers can reduce stress and improve job satisfaction. This results in a more motivated and engaged workforce. Orega allows tenants and clients to access the building 24/7, which gives them flexibility to choose a work schedule that suits them. Orega’s office space is divided into private offices, breakout spaces, meeting rooms with full equipment, quiet focus pods, and phone booths to support dynamic working.
Face-to-face communication, be it through team-building, social events, or the occasional sweet treat, can help to engage your employees. Orega organizes monthly events for its residents. We choose times when the most workers are present in the building. Activities range from quizzes, to celebrating culture and key sporting events.
Employee progress
Employers are more inclined to consider promotions when they can see their employees. According to a study conducted by Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide, more than two thirds (68%) UK employers believe an employee’s physical presence at work has a significant impact on their chances of promotion. Building rapport with co-workers and managers and being seen at work can help employees move up the ladder.
Four day work week
It is tempting to think of a four day workweek, but this is not the best solution for everyone. This model may be difficult to adopt for industries that depend on uninterrupted operations or customer service. Before implementing this model, companies should be cautious and carefully evaluate the long-term effects on productivity and profitability. It can still be seen as a compromise, where companies want their employees back at work but allow them to take an extra day each week.
It appears that the trend of returning to the office is not slowing down anytime soon. Dell, Amazon, and Tesco are a few of the companies that have set the trend for the change in working patterns. It is important to not be sucked in by trends. Instead, focus on what will work best for your company. Take a 50/50 split if productivity is higher at work. This will ensure that workplace culture and collaboration are not affected. For a young or inexperienced team, more face-to-face time could be the best option. The approach will vary from organisation to organization. Orega’s portfolio of locations in the south-east can help businesses find suitable spaces near their employees. Employers must make sure that whatever decision they take, it will be a long-term solution.
The first time this post appeared was on HR News.
