Businesses across the United Kingdom are observing a significant rise in office attendance as employees opt out of working from home to seek cooler, air-conditioned environments. The current heatwave, the third of the year, is driving this trend, with flexible office providers and workspace firms reporting double-digit increases in occupancy.
Flexible office firm Office Space in Town (OSiT) noted a 75 percent increase in office attendance at its five London locations between June 22 and July 3, coinciding with a 'red alert' heatwave. Sarah Singlehurst, OSiT boss, stated that approximately 60 percent of workers using their facilities during extreme heat found it more convenient and sought to 'work comfortably.'
ADAPT Workspace, which assists companies in finding office spaces, has also seen an upward trend in the use of its facilities due to the appeal of air conditioning. Chris Meredith, CEO & founder of ADAPT Workspace, indicated that cool, comfortable workspaces are now acting as a significant employee benefit, influencing attendance, collaboration, and productivity. He noted that companies are investing in better workplaces, and extreme weather is accelerating this shift.
Outside of London, similar patterns are emerging. Abigail Chew, operations director at Department UK, reported an increase in members choosing to spend time in their workspaces for the air conditioning. She also highlighted that major sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon, are contributing to people gathering in office spaces. Ms. Chew added that communal areas showing matches have become a draw for teams to watch together and enjoy the atmosphere.
Ms. Singlehurst of OSiT echoed this sentiment, observing a rise in in-office viewings for the World Cup, particularly during England fixtures. She stated that employees are choosing to come into the office to experience the excitement of the matches with colleagues.
The surge in office attendance coincides with the ongoing heatwave affecting the UK. Parts of south-east England officially entered a heatwave on Monday, with temperatures expected to remain high throughout the week and potentially into the next. The Met Office anticipates highs of 35C to 36C in some areas by Thursday and Friday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber and yellow heat health alerts for the Midlands and southern England, warning of potential significant impacts on health and social care services, including an increase in mortality rates, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
This period of hot weather follows previous record-breaking temperatures. In late June, a record temperature of 37.7C was recorded in Norfolk, and in May, a high of 35.1C in London broke a previous record set in 1922.