Nearly two-thirds of UK businesses to demand increased office attendance

An independent survey of 1,002 senior decision-makers within UK businesses has found:

59% of respondents said their employees will be expected to head into their workspace more frequently than they have been going in over the past year
31% said the availability of events and networking opportunities was the most important factor when selecting a flexible workspace
65% say that technology in the workspace is essential for networking and collaboration
According to new research from NCG, almost two-thirds of UK businesses’ senior decision-makers will increase the number of times employees must attend their workspace.

The digital infrastructure specialists commissioned an independent survey of 1,002 senior decision-makers within UK businesses. The results revealed that 59% of respondents said their employees would be expected to be present at the office more frequently than they have over the last year.

Face-to-face interaction is clearly important; when asked what the most important factor is when selecting a new workspace, networking and event opportunities were at the top of the list with 31%. In addition, 65% of respondents said the technology they use in the workspace is essential for networking and collaboration.

Yet for a significant number, basic functions of their office technology are letting them down. A quarter (24%) of those asked said that the mobile or online platform for booking meeting rooms and registering guests was poor, whilst 19% stated that the platform for communicating with other members or learning about events taking place in the space was also poor.

Thomas Proctor, CEO of NCG, said: “After years of remote working following the pandemic, many businesses are now insisting that their employees return to the office at least some of the time. What’s clear is that business leaders believe in-person interactions and collaboration are vital to their growth.

“The technology on offer in workspaces must, therefore, be of the highest standard, allowing businesses the freedom to connect without limitations. The fact that our research highlights that the technology laid out across an office building is of the highest importance to senior decision-makers shows investing in industry-leading solutions that are efficient and easy to use is essential.

“Landlords and operators must make installing the best technology a non-negotiable if they are to meet the demands businesses now have for their office space. By using the best in class technology solutions, they can help landlords and operators set themselves apart in an already saturated market.”