Recent data reveals that younger Londoners are championing the return to office environments, contrasting significantly with their older counterparts.
- A survey spanning multiple global cities found London had the second-lowest office attendance rates.
- Gen Z workers in London average 3.1 days in the office weekly, higher than other age groups.
- Many younger workers prefer office environments due to space and privacy constraints at home.
- Despite recognising office benefits, overall attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels across all cities studied.
A survey examining work habits across cities such as London, Paris, New York, Sydney, Singapore, and Toronto discovered that London ranks second-lowest in office attendance, only ahead of Toronto. Paris leads with the highest attendance rates.
Gen Z workers in London, aged 18 to 24, show a stronger preference for office work, clocking in at the office 3.1 days a week. This is noticeably higher compared to workers aged 35 to 44, who average 2.5 days, and those aged 55 and over, who average 2.7 days.
The data indicates that younger workers find office environments more conducive to productivity, with 43% stating that they work best in the office, in contrast to just 25% who prefer working from home. This preference is often attributed to space and privacy constraints younger workers face in their residences.
Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities, highlighted the misconception about younger workers by 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, such as enhanced collaboration and relationship building, overall office attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels in all studied cities.
The UK government is promoting flexible working options, including a proposed four-day working week. However, only 29% of workers aged 34 to 44 and those over 55 feel they are most productive in the office environment.
Carter pointed out 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 stressed the unique value of face-to-face interaction, particularly 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.’
Office attendance mandates have increased, with only 7% of workers now having no requirement to be in the office at least once a week, down significantly from 25% just over a year ago. This trend towards more in-office mandates is likely to continue as only 9% of workers would consider leaving their job if employers increased office attendance requirements.
Centre for Cities has proposed ways to entice employees back to the office, such as subsidising commute costs, a strategy already adopted by some firms in Paris. Additionally, it has been suggested that the government could revive Transport for London’s off-peak Friday fare trial to support this effort.
Carter questioned whether government bodies and businesses could collaborate to increase face-to-face interactions for the overall benefit of the national economy. He emphasised that London’s assets, such as its world-class public transport, deep labour markets, and numerous cutting-edge firms, make it well-positioned to maintain and enhance its vital national and international roles.
The data underscores a generational divide in work preferences, with younger employees driving the return to the office in London.
