Young Londoners are at the forefront of the return to office work, contrasting with older employees who prefer remote working. This trend significantly influences the UK’s office attendance rates, which lag behind global competitors.
A survey examining work habits in London, Paris, New York, Sydney, Singapore, and Toronto, revealed that London has the second-lowest rate of office attendance. Paris leads in attendance, while Toronto has the lowest. In London, Gen Z workers aged 18 to 24 attend the office 3.1 days per week, compared to just 2.5 days for those aged 35 to 44. Attendance slightly improves for those aged 55 and over, who average 2.7 days.
The data suggests that younger workers are more inclined to return to the office, with 43% indicating they work best there, compared to only 25% who prefer working from home. This trend may be linked to younger workers facing space and privacy constraints at home. Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities, challenged common perceptions, stating: “The standard narrative is young workers are shirkers, but actually they are back in the office, while it’s the middle or more experienced workers who are less present.”
Despite 95% of surveyed workers acknowledging the benefits of office presence, including improved collaboration and relationship building, overall office attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels across all cities studied. Meanwhile, the UK government is advocating for more flexible working rights, including proposals for a four-day working week. However, just 29% of workers aged 34 to 44 and those over 55 feel they are most productive in the office. Carter highlighted the evolving nature of home working: “The appeal of working at the kitchen table among others differs significantly from the luxury of a garden office or a purpose-built shed, which is more common among older workers.”
Carter also emphasised the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction, especially for younger employees. “Access to the diverse activities and experiences found in city centre offices is crucial for their success and that of the businesses they work for,” he noted. Office attendance mandates have tightened, with only 7% of workers now having no requirement to be in the office at least once a week, down from 25% just over a year ago. The trend towards more in-office mandates could continue, as only 9% of workers say they would consider leaving their job if employers increased office attendance requirements.
Centre for Cities has suggested that employers could entice reluctant workers back by subsidising commute costs, a strategy reportedly adopted by some Parisian firms. Additionally, the government could revive Transport for London’s off-peak Friday fare trial to support this effort. “The question is, can the government, the Mayor of London, and firms collaborate?” Carter pondered. “Stimulating more face-to-face interaction could benefit the national economy. London boasts significant assets—world-class public transport, deep labour markets, and numerous cutting-edge firms. Encouraging more office attendance, in line with other global cities, will help London maintain its vital national and international roles moving forward.”
The trend of younger Londoners returning to the office while older employees opt for remote work has notable implications for productivity and the economy. Policymakers and employers must consider strategies to balance flexible working rights with the benefits of in-office presence to ensure economic stability and growth.