Young Londoners are leading the return to office work, a trend that contrasts with older employees who prefer remote working.
This behaviour is contributing to the UK’s slower office attendance compared to other global cities.
A survey examining work habits in London, Paris, New York, Sydney, Singapore, and Toronto revealed that London had the second-lowest rate of office attendance. Paris had the highest attendance, while Toronto had the lowest.
Younger workers are more inclined to return to the office, with 43% indicating they work best there. This contrasts with only 25% who prefer working from home.
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.
However, just 29% of workers aged 34 to 44 and those over 55 feel they are most productive in the office.
‘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.
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.
‘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.’
Encouraging more office attendance, in line with other global cities, will help London maintain its vital national and international roles moving forward.
The implications of this trend are significant for both productivity and the broader economy.
Younger Londoners are at the forefront of the return to office work, contrasting with older colleagues who lean towards remote working.
This shift has far-reaching implications for productivity and the economy, shaping the future of work in the UK.
