Average weekly office occupancy rates reach 37.1% despite half-term dip.
Despite a slow start to the year and a temporary dip during the half-term break, UK office occupancy levels have shown a sustained upward trend in the first two months of 2025, according to the latest figures from Remit Consulting. The national average exceeded 37% during the final week of January and the first two weeks of February, before easing to 35.3% last week as school holidays impacted attendance patterns.
Among the standout performers in recent weeks have been Edinburgh and Glasgow, both of which have seen significant increases in office occupancy. However, while Glasgow is experiencing growth, it continues to lag the national average. In London, the West End remains the strongest-performing market, with weekly averages regularly exceeding 50% in January and February, while office occupancy in the City and Docklands has reached around 40% in some weeks.
Lorna Landells of Remit Consulting said: “The latest figures reinforce the gradual upward trend in office attendance that began in Q4 of 2024. Even with the expected seasonal fluctuations, the overall trajectory remains positive. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single driver behind rising office occupancy, factors such as economic uncertainty, concerns around AI’s impact on jobs, and a stronger push by private sector firms to increase office attendance may all be contributing to the trend.
“The data confirms that hybrid working patterns remain well established but suggests a gradual re-engagement with office environments and a growing increase in office-based collaboration, particularly in key regional markets. Businesses are continuing to navigate the challenge of balancing flexible working with office-based collaboration. However, the increasing occupancy rates show a clear shift in working patterns as organisations refine their long-term strategies.
“While some firms seek to encourage greater office attendance, a universal return to pre-pandemic working patterns remains unlikely. If current patterns persist, occupancy rates could theoretically return to pre-pandemic levels towards the end of the decade - though what ‘full occupancy’ means in a hybrid-working world is still up for debate.” she added.