As reported by Business Matters, growing pressure to return to the office is starting to take a toll on UK workers’ wellbeing, according to new research 

In a survey of 3,600 employees and employers across both the public and private sectors, 38% of workers said recent media coverage about companies enforcing stricter office attendance policies has negatively affected their wellbeing. The findings highlight mounting anxiety around return-to-office (RTO) mandates, especially as sectors like finance continue to push harder for full in-office presence.

Despite the shift in rhetoric, hybrid working remains widely supported. As of early 2024, more than a quarter (28%) of UK adults were working in hybrid roles. Among those, 84% said the flexibility of dividing time between home and office had improved their overall wellbeing – including mental, physical, social and financial health.

The data also showed a gender divide. A higher proportion of women (87%) reported wellbeing benefits from hybrid working compared to men (80%). Women were also more affected by stricter RTO messaging, with 42% reporting negative wellbeing impacts, compared to 32% of men.

Younger workers appear particularly vulnerable to these pressures. Those aged 20 to 29 were the most likely to report negative wellbeing effects linked to the growing push to return to offices, while workers aged 50 and above were less likely to feel the same impact.

One of the most common concerns raised in the research was the cost of commuting. Financial worries remain a significant barrier to returning to the office, with 59% of respondents saying it would make them less willing to increase office attendance.