Back to the Office… Again?

How the Workplace Has Changed (and Keeps Changing)

We don't tend to discuss it as much now, and for some, it was all a distant memory.

Remember when we all thought remote work was here to stay? That we’d be Zooming in joggers forever, sipping lattes from our kitchen counters while our dogs became our new colleagues? Fast forward to today, and it seems the tide is turning, again.

As someone who spends her days (and sometimes nights) speaking to hiring managers, job seekers, and my 4 year old demanding a bag of crisps mid-call, I’ve had a front-row seat to the shifting landscape of work. And let me tell you: it’s been a ride.

🏢 The Great Return

Post-pandemic, many businesses embraced remote and hybrid models. Productivity didn’t tank, people were happier, and the commute became a distant memory. But lately, I’ve noticed a trend: fewer roles are being advertised as remote, and more companies are nudging (or shoving) people back into the office.

Why?

• Collaboration: Some teams genuinely work better face-to-face. There’s something about whiteboards, spontaneous chats, and shared coffee runs that Zoom just can’t replicate.

• Culture: Employers are worried about losing their company culture. It’s hard to build camaraderie when half your team is muted and the other half is battling Wi-Fi gremlins.

• Control (let’s be honest): Not all managers are comfortable leading remote teams. Old habits die hard.

👀 What Candidates Are Saying

Job seekers are savvy. They want flexibility, but they also want connection. I’ve spoken to candidates who miss the buzz of the office, the structure, and even...brace yourself—the dress code! Others are still clinging to remote roles like their last packet of lockdown pasta.

The sweet spot? Hybrid. Roles that offer a couple of days in the office and the rest remote are flying off the shelves. People want balance. They want to work where they’re most productive, but still feel part of something bigger than their inbox.

📊 A Few Stats...

• According to recent data, only 12% of UK job postings are now fully remote—down from 18% last year.

• Hybrid roles make up around 40%, with the rest being fully office-based.

• Retention rates are higher in companies offering flexibility, especially among younger talent.

🧩 What This Means for Employers

If you’re hiring, think carefully about your setup. The “one-size-fits-all” office model is long gone. Candidates are asking questions about flexibility, wellbeing, and work-life balance before they even get to salary.

And if you’re not sure what your team wants? Ask them. You might be surprised.

✨ Final Thoughts!

The pandemic feels like a lifetime ago, but its impact on the workplace is still unfolding. We’re not going back to 2019, and thank goodness, because I don’t miss the morning rush with two little ones. But we’re also not staying in our slippers forever.

The future of work is flexible, human, and ever-evolving. And if you need help navigating it, whether you’re hiring or job hunting, I’m here, coffee in hand, ready to chat!