Four in ten London office workers anticipate a return to the traditional five-day office week this year, according to new findings, as employers push to end remote and hybrid work arrangements. But a wave of financial and logistical concerns among employees suggests a challenging road ahead for companies eager to see full office attendance.
Commuting costs emerged as the leading barrier, with 40% of workers highlighting it as a major worry, a Censuswide survey for London Heritage Quarter found. Food and drink expenses (30%) and the price of after-work activities (25%) followed closely, reflecting how the broader cost-of-living crisis is making daily office life less affordable.
Commuting Costs: The Biggest Barrier
For many workers, London’s notoriously high train fares are at the heart of their hesitation to embrace a full-time return. With monthly rail passes for some areas costing hundreds of pounds, commuting into the city five days a week represents a significant financial burden.
While some companies previously introduced financial support measures, such as subsidised travel costs during the height of the pandemic’s return-to-office phase, these initiatives are now rare. The onus has shifted back to workers to shoulder these expenses, leaving many questioning whether the benefits of in-office work outweigh the costs.
Adding to the strain are the persistent transport strikes that have plagued London in recent years. With 22% of survey respondents citing strikes and industrial action as a key concern, the unpredictability of transport services is another major deterrent for workers considering a five-day office return.
Ongoing disputes between trade unions and transport providers have left commuters grappling with cancelled services, delays and uncertainty — contributing to stress and frustration. For employees, the disruption not only affects their ability to commute but also increases the financial and time costs of reaching the office.
Wellbeing at Risk
Beyond financial concerns, the return to five-day office attendance risks undermining employee wellbeing. The financial pressures of commuting, coupled with the stress of unreliable transport and rising costs of food and drink, can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction.
Many workers have embraced hybrid working as a way to balance professional and personal lives. The flexibility of remote work helps offset the financial challenges of commuting, while reducing stress and allowing workers to spend more time with family or on self-care.
Ruth Duston OBE, CEO of London Heritage Quarter — a new brand for London districts Victoria, Victoria Westminster, Whitehall and Northbank — acknowledged the pressures facing employees. “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,” she said.
The Importance of Hybrid Work
While some employers argue that in-office work fosters collaboration and improves productivity, the benefits of hybrid work cannot be overlooked. Hybrid arrangements allow employees to enjoy some of the social and professional perks of office life while maintaining the flexibility to work from home on other days.
Duston emphasised the advantages of office work, adding: “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.”
Supporting Workers in the Transition
If employers are to encourage full-time office attendance without alienating their workforce, measures to address commuting and cost-of-living concerns will be essential. Potential solutions include offering travel subsidies, providing affordable on-site meal options and adopting flexible working hours to allow employees to avoid peak commuting times.
Addressing transport challenges is equally important. Greater collaboration between transport providers and trade unions is needed to reduce strike action and ensure reliable services, say industry observers, enabling workers to plan their commutes with confidence.
Employers must also consider the long-term impact of their decisions on employee wellbeing. A rigid return-to-office policy without sufficient support risks increased turnover and dissatisfaction, as workers prioritise their financial and mental health.
As London prepares for a potential return to the five-day office week, the stakes are high for both employers and employees. Companies that prioritise employee wellbeing and address the financial realities of commuting stand the best chance of fostering a productive and engaged workforce, experts say.
