Recent data shows that London’s return to the
office may have reached its “new normal.”
Central London office attendance has plateaued at roughly 75% of pre-pandemic levels, with the average worker now spending 2.7 days a week in the office. Mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) remains busiest, while Mondays and Fridays see significantly lower footfall.
For office and facilities managers, this hybrid reality is reshaping how buildings are cleaned, maintained and staffed. Here’s what this means in practice.
We’ve been adapting our services to suit the modern office, and here are the main things we’ve noticed:
Space use is changing, and so should your layout
Fixed desks and under-used meeting rooms are
costly to maintain if they sit empty for large parts of the week. Facilities
managers are now rethinking how space is configured. Hot-desking systems,
booking platforms, and occupancy sensors are helping organisations track real
usage and adapt layouts. Converting little-used rooms into collaborative hubs
or quiet pods can make office days more productive and appealing for employees.
Smarter scheduling for cleaning and maintenance
Traditional daily cleaning schedules are no
longer the most efficient option. With peak attendance mid-week, facilities
teams can align deep cleans, washroom servicing, and waste collection with
these busy periods, scaling back slightly on quieter days. Flexible service
contracts and data-driven planning help maintain hygiene standards while
controlling costs.
Cost control (without cutting quality)
Hybrid working creates a balancing act: the
office must remain “ready” and welcoming, but running it at full capacity five
days a week can be wasteful. Smart energy systems that adjust lighting,
heating, and cooling based on occupancy can reduce bills significantly.
Employee experience still matters
The office competes with home for where people
work best. If the environment feels neglected, it may discourage attendance
even further. Keeping spaces spotless, air quality high, and amenities
available helps make office days feel worthwhile. Communicating clearly about
what services are in place, and asking for feedback, can build trust and
encourage more consistent attendance.
Staying agile for the future
Hybrid working patterns may shift again with
economic changes, policy decisions, or company culture shifts. Facilities
managers who gather and analyse occupancy data will be better placed to respond
quickly – whether that means scaling services up, reconfiguring space, or
negotiating lease adjustments.
London’s office attendance may have levelled but our role as facilities and office managers cannot stand still. We all ensure that the office remains a productive, safe, and attractive place to work – no matter how many days a week people are coming in.
