This shift reflects a deeper recognition of the office as more than just a workplace. It has become a hub for collaboration, culture and community. From a facilities management perspective, this moment invites us to reflect on how the built environment shapes employee experience and how our expertise can enhance it.
Office attendance patterns also vary by generation. Morning commutes for 18- to 24-year-olds have risen by 8 per cent year on year, suggesting that younger professionals value in-office interaction. In contrast, those aged 25 to 34 have reduced their commuting trips by 10 per cent, underscoring the need for amenities and flexibility that appeal across demographics.
Moreover, the proportion of companies mandating five days on site climbed to 32 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, up from 27 per cent in the previous quarter. Yet daily commuting peaked at 45 per cent in early 2024 and has since fallen to 36 per cent, confirming that hybrid remains the dominant model for many.
These evolving patterns highlight the importance of comfort and choice. When air conditioning functions smoothly it becomes a source of wellbeing rather than a mere operational task. When break areas offer natural light and comfortable seating they become inviting spaces for informal exchange. And when workplaces allow employees to book desks, collaboration zones and quiet rooms with ease they demonstrate respect for changing work styles.
The data also shows which days matter most. Mondays and Wednesdays lead the return-to-office trend, with around 70 per cent of firms mandating those days, compared with 61 per cent on Fridays. This uneven distribution offers insight into when collaboration is prioritised and where facilities teams can concentrate their efforts to maintain high standards of comfort and service.
For the UK facilities management sector this is a moment to step into a more strategic role. We can move beyond maintaining systems to shaping experiences. By working closely with clients to optimise climate control, enhance air quality and deliver consistent comfort we make the office a destination rather than an obligation. By advising on space design that balances focused work with collaboration we reinforce the office’s unique value.
At the same time, WFM teams can use data and feedback tools to help organisations fine-tune attendance policies. Analysing occupancy patterns, energy consumption and user satisfaction provides clear evidence of what works and where investment delivers the greatest return. Sharing these insights with senior leadership positions WFM professionals as trusted advisors in broader discussions about workplace strategy and real estate.
This moment is also an opportunity to underscore the role of wellbeing. Clean and welcoming communal spaces, healthy catering options timed for peak arrival windows and facilities such as showers and lockers all contribute to a sense of care and belonging. When employees feel supported they are more likely to engage, collaborate and stay with their employer.
In observing the rise in mandated office days, the UK facilities management sector can take heart. It signals renewed interest in the environments we manage every day and affirms that the quality of those environments matters deeply to both leaders and staff. As we move forward, our commentary and thought leadership must highlight how FM expertise translates into tangible benefits. This ensures that the return to office becomes a choice enriched by comfort, community and care.