A shift in workplace dynamics is on the horizon as new research from business and financial advisory firm Grant Thornton UK LLP reveals that many companies plan to increase office attendance requirements and tighten monitoring of compliance over the next 12 to 24 months.
A Move Toward More Office Time
The findings, part of Grant Thornton’s Business Outlook Tracker survey conducted with 603 UK businesses in October, show that a significant majority (86%) of companies already mandate some in-office time. Among these, 26% require employees to be present for two days a week, 25% for three days, and 29% for a full five days.
Interestingly, among the 367 businesses currently mandating four or fewer office days per week, 83% plan to increase this requirement within the next two years. Even businesses that currently have no attendance mandates are rethinking their strategies, with nearly 60% indicating they will introduce in-office requirements in the near future. Of these, the majority anticipate mandating three days a week (32%), followed by one day a week (30%).
Enhanced Monitoring on the Rise
The study also highlights a growing trend toward monitoring employee compliance with office attendance policies. While 88% of businesses with attendance requirements already have monitoring measures in place, 58% of those without such measures plan to implement them in the coming months.
Driving the Push for In-Person Collaboration
Alistair Wardell, partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP and head of its restructuring team for the South of England and Wales, explained the rationale behind this shift:
“While hybrid working has evolved following the pandemic, our research indicates businesses are planning to increase the amount of attendance in the office that they ask of employees. This shift reflects a growing recognition among business leaders of the value of in-person collaboration.”
Wardell also noted the importance of this change for specific sectors and regions. “Wales’ economy is experiencing significant transformations, particularly in sectors like Business Support Services, Technology, Media & Telecom (TMT), and Healthcare. With private equity activity remaining strong and corporate acquirers looking to expand, increased face-to-face interaction could help drive innovation and productivity across the nation’s economic landscape,” he added.
Balancing Flexibility and Productivity
The post-pandemic hybrid working model has redefined employee expectations, but businesses are increasingly recognizing the benefits of in-person interactions for collaboration, creativity, and relationship-building. As this shift unfolds, companies will need to strike a balance between fostering workplace flexibility and maximizing the potential of their teams through in-office engagement.
The next two years could see a recalibration of workplace norms, shaping the future of work and redefining how businesses operate in an evolving economic landscape.
