Why London’s Offices Are Filling Up Again

According to a recent BBC article, within the last year a number of London-based companies have reviewed their working policies or prohibited working from home.

Companies initiated remote working during the pandemic, and many have retained a flexible working policy. However, some firms – particularly large corporates – are returning to a traditional five-day in-office working week.

Others are requesting employees come into the office at least three or four days a week, allowing for some flexibility.

Which Companies Are Restricting Home Working?

Notable companies that are restricting home working include Amazon and global communications company WPP.

The Metropolitan Police has also introduced a new hybrid working policy which requires civilian staff to work three days a week in the office.

New data suggests that more will follow suit. According to a 2024 survey conducted by KPMG, 83 percent of CEOs expect a full return to the office within the next three years – an increase from 64 percent in 2023.

The Centre for Cities’ research shows that Central London office workers have continued to return. Days for full-time workers have increased from 2.2 days in spring 2023 to 2.7 in 2024.

Furthermore, Transport for London recorded 3.6 billion passenger journeys for the 2023-2024 financial year. This is up 9% from the previous year, meaning journeys had increased from 80% of pre-pandemic levels to around 88%.

So, why are we seeing a change?

Why do Companies Want to Restrict or End Home Working?

In September, Amazon boss Andy Jassy wrote to staff saying office working allowed it to “better invent, collaborate and be connected enough to deliver the absolute best for customers and businesses.”

This aligns with the company’s philosophy to be “Earth’s most customer-centric company” with a “customer obsession rather than competitor focus.”

For WPP, which will require staff to be in four days a week from April, the move is also performance and customer driven. CEO Mark Read said, “The data from across WPP agencies shows that higher levels of office attendance are associated with stronger employee engagement, improved client survey scores and better financial performance.”

Emphasising the focus on client relations, he added: “More of our clients are moving in this direction and expecting it of the teams who work with them.”

As for the Metropolitan Police, the move to bring staff into the office is said to “provide consistency across the Met” and ensure it can deliver for its communities.

The View from Us

As a London Fit Out Company, we have worked with many companies in the capital and home counties post-pandemic. While some have switched to hybrid working, many have maintained a traditional setup suitable for a five-day office week.

However, those who have stuck to a traditional approach have adapted their spaces to make them more commute worthy, offering amenities, a choice of work zones and vibrant design schemes.

Based on our clients, we believe that creating a commute-worthy space is key in bringing staff into the office full-time. This is backed up by the data, which shows that the commute to work is one of the main disincentives for going into the office.

So, what does a commute-worthy office look like? Here are some examples…

How to Create a Commute-Worthy London Office Space

Offer Choice

As highlighted by Biz Now, many London firms are moving towards spacious layouts with more collaboration zones, quiet areas, wellness spaces, private booths, soundproof pods and Zoom-friendly meeting rooms.

For a perfect example, take a look at the vibrant Circle Square office fit out in Shad Thames, London. Fitted out for an office relocation, the space includes booths with integrated power, a stunning dining area and multiple meeting rooms.

While creating this kind of heightened office experience is great for employees, it’s not a viable option for every company in terms of budget. With rising London fit out costs, some have remained in their existing space or looked at more value-based solutions.

Our client Fastned charging had its existing London office reconfigured to provide a more flexible design. While modest in size, we optimised the space to include more meeting rooms, phone booths and bleacher seating. We also expanded Fastned’s breakout area to offer and alternative working space. See the Fastned project here

Related content: Office Design Trends 2025

Offer Incentives

According to the aforementioned BBC article, some businesses are using incentives to encourage employees to come into the workplace. For example, Just Eat for Business offers an allowance for free food every month.

Managing director Matt Ephgrave said, “It creates a moment where you can sit down, you can have a conversation with people you might not otherwise speak to.”

While this is a great way for employees to build meaningful connections, the money saving aspect of offering free food is perhaps the biggest benefit. 75% of Londoners put the cost of living as their top concern in 2024, while those commuting into the capital will face a train fare hike of 4.6% from March 2025.

For inspiration, check out our Albion Fine Foods project. As part of a relocation, Albion Fine Foods required a fit out contractor to create a catering area at its new space near the M25. See the project here.

Create a Strategy Hub

The Forbes article, ‘A Winning Playbook for Leading the Return to Office’, stresses the importance of strategic messaging for a successful return. Business growth expert Mick Hunt demonstrates this with a CEO who transformed his approach.
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Instead of a simple ‘return for collaboration’ message, they positioned the office as a ‘strategy hub’ with the message: “We’re not just bringing you back. We’re bringing you forward. We’re making this office the epicentre of growth, promotions, and high-impact work.”

For a practical example of how to implement this, take a look at Ward Security’s workplace. This incorporates multiple collaboration areas and a high-end boardroom to cultivate a focused and driven environment.

Help Employees Build Meaningful Connections

Research indicates that the workplace is a significant social arena, with three out of four individuals forming friendships there.

Tracy Brower, author of ‘Secrets to Happiness at Work’, supports this, arguing that in-person interactions are paramount for cultivating meaningful and durable connections that contribute to increased well-being and morale.

To help employees build these in-person connections, prioritise creating an enticing breakout space. As in the example above, a modern design with shared dining tables will encourage employees to step away from their desk and eat together.

If you’ve got the space, you could even go for an entire breakout floor like holiday booking firm Classic Collection. This included coffee-shop style banquet seating, bleacher seating, prep kitchen and a lounge area. Talk about enticing!

Create a ‘Destination’ Office

If employees are going to commute into the office, it needs to be worth it. This is where good office interior design is key. It’s all about making the daily grind less of a chore and the office experience more fun.

Take the agile Hudl office in Islington. The sports-tech firm, which operates with an agile working model, carried out a London office refurbishment to create space that employees want to work in.

With its vibrant sports-themed design and choice of work settings, the office isn’t just a place of work – it’s a destination. Moreover, they’ve crafted a space that celebrates Hudl’s culture and identity and encourages people to connect.

See the Hudl office here.

Why London Offices are Filling up Again – Conclusion

Based on the evidence, London’s offices are set to experience an increase in occupancy in the coming years. Driven by major companies like Amazon and WPP, the shift signals a move away from the widespread remote work adopted during the pandemic.

The companies mentioned here cite the importance of in-person collaboration, improved client relations, and perceived performance benefits as key reasons for this return.

To facilitate this transition, businesses are investing in creating “commute-worthy” office spaces. The goal is to make the office a desirable destination, addressing employee concerns about commuting and the cost of living, while fostering a sense of community and connection.

Ultimately, the resurgence of London’s offices reflects a re-evaluation of the role of the workplace. The focus is now on creating dynamic and engaging office environments that encourage employees to return and thrive.

Are You in Need of a London Fit Out Contractor?

Looking to transform your London office space? At Rap Interiors, we specialise in creating bespoke London office environments that inspire and engage.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you design a commute-worthy office that attracts and retains top talent. Please fill out the enquiry form below or call 0333 600 1234 to speak with a member of our team.