New research shows pain points for UK office workers ahead of return to the office

Research has found that eighteen months of working from home has left UK office workers feeling out of ‘office-shape’ ahead of the return to the office.

The survey, by global recruitment specialists Michael Page, showed that three quarters of the UK will soon be regularly back in the office.

Seventy-six per cent of employees say they are expected to be in the office for two or more days a week, with three in 10 workers expected to be in the office full time.

For employees able to choose their days in the office, Wednesday came up as the clear winner, with just under half (47%) picking it as their preference.

Being out of ‘office-shape’ could have an impact on productivity levels in the coming months as the UK looks to ease back into normality.

Ahead of returning to the office on a more frequent basis, one in five are concerned that it will lead to distractions, meaning they get less work done.

Some early returners have even spent almost an hour (56 minutes) preparing and getting themselves set up at the office – from trying to use new tech to navigating hybrid meetings*.

According to psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos the sluggishness office workers may be feeling is down to how our brains have been re-wired during the pandemic:

“Anecdotally we know our routines have changed, like getting up later and setting up office from the kitchen table, but these habits run deeper than you may expect.

“Adjusting to working from home has literally created and strengthened new neural connections, weakening those associated with the commute and office through disuse.”

The first hurdle for workers will be accessing the office and getting set up

A third (30%) admitting to having forgotten the password to either their office computer, office entrance or locker.

One in five London-based office workers also revealed they got on either the wrong train or bus, or missed a stop on their way to work.

Overall, UK workers cite their commute as one of their key concerns when it comes to returning (20%), with this figure rising to 27% among Londoners.

The social skills associated with the office have also been a pain point for returning office workers

Twenty-seven per cent said that they felt their small talk skills had been impacted as a result of working from home and 15% admitted they’re concerned about having conversations with colleagues in real life.

Almost one in five (19%) revealed they had forgotten a colleague’s name or called someone by the wrong name on their first trip back to the office post-lockdown, and 17% have concerns around getting office etiquette wrong around physical contact.

Embracing the benefits of flexible working

There have also been positive takeaways from working from home that people are eager to keep in the new world of work.

Twenty-seven per cent say that they’re concerned that the return to the office will mean they have less time for themselves, and one in five (19%) are worried about spending less time with their loved ones.

The UK’s pet ownership boom should also be a consideration for workers and their employers, with almost one in 10 admitting they’re worried about not being able to bring their pets into the office.

Companies have work to do to ensure their employees have the right level of support when returning to the office

“These findings show employers a clear picture of employee concerns, giving them an opportunity to address them head on and offer their workers the right support when it comes to making a more structured return,” says Nick Kirk, Regional Managing Director – UK & North America at Michael Page.

“Business leaders that handle this transition well will be rewarded with higher worker morale, while those who don’t heed employees’ concerns may see increased staff attrition in the coming months.”