Could The Cost Of Living Crisis Push Employees Back Into The Office?

The cost of living crisis has provided serious challenges and continues to have a detrimental effect on thousands of families and organisations across the UK. 

The fall in ‘real’ disposable incomes in the UK since late 2021 has led to numerous shifts in work environments, employee well-being and the overall financial stability of the UK workforce. Caused predominantly by high inflation outstripping wages and benefit increases along with further tax rises, the cost of living crisis is now motivating workers to make yet another change.

Employees are being pushed to reconsider whether working from home is still a viable option if they want to control spending. One of the ways people are looking to do this is to spend less time at home and more time in the workplace. A recent survey has revealed that more than 85% of employees found working from the office more appealing amidst the cost of living crisis.

Now, nearly half think that they are likely to make the commute to their workplace to save on their energy bills, meaning employers may see a large return to office work by the new year.

For some, this point may never come due to the length of the commute or the method of transport. However, it’s also important to consider the additional negative impact that the cost of living has so far had on employees’ mental health. The need to return to the office suggests that well-being across the country could be significantly impaired over the coming months, resulting in extra resources for those who choose to return. 

Have you experienced employees wanting to return to the office? Or do you think employees will switch to a hybrid model compared to working fully remotely?