11 November 2026
Hybrid working is firmly established, but many employers are asking what factors influence employees to come into the office?
So, are flexible work arrangements impacting office attendance? And how does workplace culture affect office attendance? Let's explore the trends shaping workplace behaviour and what employees genuinely want to be part of.
- Understanding what factors influence employees to come into the office is crucial for today's employers
- Workplace culture plays a major role in attendance
- Flexible working has changed expectations but doesn't necessarily reduce office attendance
- Employee recognition and perks can all help motivate employees to spend more time together in the workplace
For many employees, the biggest reason to commute isn't the desk or the building. Instead, it's the opportunity to experience things that are difficult to replicate remotely.
Video calls and messaging platforms are excellent tools for day-to-day chats, but some conversations are just easier in person. Things like:
- Brainstorming sessions
- Project kick-off meetings
- Sales pitches
- Problem-solving discussions
Employees are more likely to attend the office when they know they'll spend time collaborating with colleagues rather than joining online meetings from a different location.
Whether it's onboarding a new colleague or gaining insights from a senior staff member, these are the kinds of in-person interactions that are an important part of professional development.
In many cases, people don't come into the office for the workplace but rather the people in it. Strong workplace relationships help employees feel connected to their organisation, their colleagues and their shared goals.
It's important to look at the employee experience as a whole. A positive workplace culture creates an environment where employees feel valued, supported and motivated to do their best work.
Never underestimate the impact of a 'well done' or 'thank you'. Genuinely celebrating team achievements and recognising individual contributions makes a difference. And as for employee perks? Thoughtful benefits can play an important role in boosting team morale.
But one of the biggest mistakes organisations can make is focusing solely on how many people are in the building. Office days need to add something to a person's day, week or month, which highlights the importance of incentives and providing workshops, training sessions and/or social events.
Food plays an important role here. Team breakfasts, lunch and learns, and workplace celebrations help bring people together naturally. Organisations need flexible workplace food solutions that simplify things while still offering choice. Whether it's a team lunch or a company-wide event, food remains one of the most effective ways to encourage workplace connection.
Yes, but perhaps not in the way employers expect. Flexible working has changed employee expectations. Many people now appreciate the ability to choose when and where they work best. However, flexible work arrangements don't automatically reduce office attendance. In fact, many employees still recognise the benefits of working together in person. The difference is that they're increasingly selective about when and why they travel to the office.
This helps explain why some employees prefer working from the office while others choose a hybrid approach. According to the Office for National Statistics’ Time Use Survey (March 2024), remote workers reported higher job satisfaction. Despite this, there is still a place for a regular return to the office. Rather than viewing flexibility and office attendance as opposing forces, forward-thinking organisations are finding ways to make them work together.
While flexible working continues to shape modern workplaces, workplace culture remains one of the strongest influences on employee behaviour. Organisations that prioritise experiences and invest in employee wellbeing are often better positioned to encourage regular office attendance. Employees don't just want an office to work from. They need a reason to be there.
Just Eat for Business makes workplace food simple, dependable and delicious. Want to find out more? Get in touch with our customer care team, who are available Monday to Friday.