In 2020 the world was turned upside down and life as we knew it had to adapt. Online meetings and virtual relationships became a lifeline, and were used for all types of business meetings, as well as social meet ups (even pub quizzes!) We were forced to accept and embrace technology, more so than ever before. However, the absence of face-to-face connections was quickly felt by many, and we are starting to see the value of face-to-face meetings in the workplace.

Hybrid working is a still a popular benefit amongst the UK workforce, with employees listing the following as perks of working from home:

• Improved work life balance.
• Fewer distractions.
• Quicker to complete work.
• Improved wellbeing.
• More job opportunities.

However, a full return to the office is on the horizon and has already been implemented by large organisations like Boots and Laing O’Rourke. We have no doubt others will follow with 64% of CEOs around the world believing the workforce will be back in the office by 2026.

We are already seeing the shift of in-person work becoming more popular in the capital. TFL data shows a sharp bounce back to morning peak tap-outs in Central London, estimating commuting levels will rise to 80% of pre-pandemic levels by the summer of 2025.

You may be asking, ‘Why is there a need to return to the office if my job has functioned just fine over the past 4 years?’. This is a valid question! As human’s, we are social animals, and being surrounded by others who we have friendly connections with not only improves our working life, but also lowers the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Being more socially connected is associated with better health!

The shift in working pattern is being advocated by those who argue face-to-face interactions foster an environment of creativity, collaboration, and to strengthen bonds and company culture in ways that are difficult to replicate remotely. Informal conversations, brief catchups, and those ‘coffee-run moments’ are all lost along with the sense of building friendship and teamwork. All these things are important to keeping a happy and productive organisation in the long run.

There are huge benefits to working in the office, including:

• Collaborating and brainstorming in real-time.
• Overcoming barriers and misunderstandings.
• Keeping the team focused and productive.
• Building trust, loyalty and rapport.
• Communicating effectively with clear goals.
• Reduction of technology issues.

We are loving the shift back to in-person meetings and thoroughly encourage all our candidates and clients to get back out there! If you are looking to discuss your job search or next hire, why not reach out for a coffee?