10/03/2025
The Shift in Workplace Expectations: Are Employees Finally Embracing the Return to the Office? https://thelondonlink.net/the-shift-in-workplace-expectations-are-employees-finally-embracing-the-return-to-the-office/ As the UK marks five years since the Covid-19 pandemic, new data from recruitment specialist Robert Half suggests that the long-standing debate around remote working may be reaching a resolution. With fewer professionals considering flexible work arrangements as a dealbreaker for job moves, a balance between remote and in-office work appears to be settling into place.
A Declining Demand for Remote Work
The latest Jobs Confidence Index (JCI), produced by Robert Half in collaboration with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), reveals a significant shift in employee sentiment. The proportion of workers who believe that a lack of remote working options will hinder a company’s ability to attract new talent has fallen to 51%—a substantial drop from 68% recorded last year. This suggests that while remote work remains important, employees are becoming more accepting of hybrid or office-based setups.
Similarly, the number of professionals actively seeking new roles specifically to secure flexible work arrangements has also decreased. In 2025, just 23% of jobseekers cited this as their primary reason for switching jobs, compared to 29% in the previous year. This trend aligns with recent research from the Centre for Cities, which found that London-based employees are now spending more than half of their working week (2.7 days) in the office—an increase from 2.2 days in 2023.
Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director UK & Ireland at Robert Half, highlighted the evolving nature of work and the push towards greater in-person collaboration. “The last five years have seen a step change in how and where people work, but the big focus recently has been on the return to the office. Workers and businesses have been at odds for some time over what a good balance looks like. In fact, in Q3 last year, our Salary Guide revealed that more than two-thirds of employers would base promotions on physical presence in the office in a bid to encourage returns. Now, though, it seems as if we have finally reached a turning point.”
Weston also noted the undeniable benefits of in-person working. “Facetime with peers is hugely valuable, and the sense of connectivity and collaboration you get by being together in person is hard to replicate in a virtual setting. The development opportunities from face-to-face conversations are also invaluable, something that our research suggests both employees and employers acknowledge.”
Striking the Right Balance
While the data suggests a shift towards office attendance, Weston also stresses the importance of maintaining flexibility in work arrangements. “Being in the office doesn’t mean that flexibility is completely eliminated. Employee flexibility is an important factor in enhancing productivity, retention, and overall job satisfaction. And with firms facing skills shortages and a stubbornly tight labour market, adopting flexible practices can result in a more engaged and satisfied workforce, as well as greater organisational success.”
The latest insights from Robert Half indicate that both employers and employees are moving towards a more balanced approach to work. While remote work remains an important factor for many professionals, its significance as a key decision-making factor in job searches is diminishing. As organisations continue to adapt to post-pandemic working norms, finding the right mix of flexibility and in-office engagement will remain critical for fostering both employee satisfaction and business success.
As the UK marks five years since the Covid-19 pandemic, new data from recruitment specialist Robert Half suggests that the long-standing debate around remote
