ResearchUK office trends: Fewer desks, more flexible working

New research from AWA’s fourth Hybrid Working Index highlights how UK workplaces are adapting to a post-pandemic world. The study, conducted in Q2 2024, reveals that while office attendance and desk usage are slowly increasing, the provision of desks has significantly declined. On average, UK offices now offer just 56 desks per 100 employees—down from 79 desks per 100 employees in July 2022.

This shift reflects the widespread adoption of hybrid working, with organisations optimising their office space to align with changing work habits. While employees are attending offices an average of 1.65 days per week (up from 1.5 days in 2022), desk usage has surged from 33% to 49%. Tuesdays remain the busiest day, with 43% of employees present, compared to just 18% on Fridays.

Stabilisation of real estate downsizing

The findings suggest that organisations have reached their limit on reducing office space. Only 13% are considering further downsizing, a significant drop from 37% in 2023. This indicates a stabilisation in post-pandemic real estate strategies as companies focus on maximising the utility of their existing spaces.

Interestingly, in-office mandates are also becoming less common. Just 18% of UK organisations now require employees to work from the office, compared to 49% in July 2022. Most businesses (65%) have adopted flexible policies, allowing teams to decide their schedules or work entirely remotely.

A new era of office design and purpose

Andrew Mawson, founder of AWA, explained, “Most organisations have fully embraced hybrid and flexible working strategies. Now, the focus is on creating offices that not only meet employees’ needs but also support their wellbeing and foster environments where they can thrive.”

For property and facilities managers, the challenge is to ensure offices are not just functional but also spaces that enhance collaboration, trust, and organisational performance. As office dynamics continue to evolve, the role of workplace design in fostering a healthier, more productive workforce is more important than ever.

This research underscores the pressing need for smarter, more adaptive office spaces that reflect the modern balance between work and wellbeing.