Zarah ChoudharyLondon’s workers increasingly anticipate a shift back to full-time office attendance, with a Censuswide survey for London Heritage Quarter showing 40% expecting a return to the pre-pandemic 5-day office weeks.
The findings come as employers ramp up pressure on staff to return to the office, citing reduced productivity as a consequence of home working.
This included controversial comments from former Marks and Spencer chief executive Lord Rose, who claimed working from home is creating a generation who are “not doing proper work.”
The poll of 1,000 London office workers sheds light on the most common complaints from commuters: 40% cited travel costs, 30% mentioned food and drink expenses, and 25% pointed to the cost of activities.
The findings indicated an uphill battle for employers to encourage office attendance, which would require a substantial behavioural change among employees who have grown accustomed to the flexibility and convenience of working from home.
Ruth Duston OBE, CEO of London Heritage Quarter, said: “Our findings show that workers in London are expecting to return to the office, however wider challenges including the cost of living and travel are proving to be the biggest barriers.
“While hybrid working is now the norm, it’s important that we don’t forget the benefits that working in the office brings, including increased productivity, a sense of belonging, and being able to enjoy this fantastic city and all it has to offer.”
