A recent survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) reveals that nearly half (48%) of UK companies expect employees to return to full-time, in-office work within the next year—a notable increase from 27% in 2023. This shift signals a growing discontent among employers with hybrid working models, despite the fact that most workers continue to value the flexibility and work-life balance such models offer.

Axar.az reports that the return-to-office (RTO) push has gained momentum globally, with companies like Amazon and Google tightening remote work policies. In the UK, 41% of businesses have already asked staff to spend more time on-site in the past year. Yet, only 17% believe this actually increases productivity, contradicting external research suggesting that hybrid work can be equally or more effective.

The BCC report emphasizes that attitudes toward hybrid work vary by sector. While 62% of manufacturers and 61% of consumer-facing businesses want full-time in-person work, only 27% of B2B service firms do. These figures reflect operational differences, with some roles requiring physical presence more than others.

However, strict RTO mandates may carry risks for talent retention. Although two-thirds of businesses say in-person policies haven’t affected hiring or retention, 9% have already seen staff leave over changes. Supporting this, a separate study by Hays found that nearly half of UK workers would consider quitting rather than returning to the office full-time, citing commuting costs and reduced work-life balance. Women, in particular, were more likely to leave due to rigid policies.

Jane Gratton, BCC's Director of Public Policy, stressed that while in-person models may benefit some firms, flexibility remains key for retaining a skilled, motivated workforce. She encouraged employers to develop balanced policies that serve both business needs and employee well-being, predicting that workplace models will continue to evolve in the years ahead.