When working from home first became common, it felt like a dream come true. No commute, no dress code, and the comfort of your own surroundings. Yet several years on, many professionals are rethinking that lifestyle. New research shows that more people now prefer the office to home working, with the novelty of remote work wearing off for many.

The Return to Office Life

A growing number of UK workers are showing renewed interest in office-based roles. According to a 2025 CV-Library study, 22% of jobseekers now favour being entirely office-based, compared with just 16% who want to stay fully remote. The trend is even stronger among younger professionals; 43% of 18–24-year-olds say they work best in the office, compared to just 25% who feel more productive at home (Centre for Cities / FocalData, 2024).

Across the workforce as a whole, over half of UK employees (52.1%) prefer working in an office rather than from home (Office Freedom Survey, 2024). These figures suggest a steady shift back towards in-person collaboration, driven by a blend of practical and personal reasons.

Why People Are Choosing to Go Back

Working from home offered convenience, but many have found it brings its own challenges — from distractions to a lack of social interaction. The Office Freedom Survey found that 42.3% of people value the ability to separate home and work life, something that can be difficult when the kitchen table doubles as an office desk.

For others, the office is key to career development. Research from CV-Library (2025) revealed that 58% of workers believe being present in the office supports career progression, giving them better access to mentoring, networking, and visibility.

There’s also a strong social and mental wellbeing element. 34% of workers cite in-person contact with team members as a major draw, while 42% of older workers (aged 50+) said returning to work helps improve their mental health (ONS, 2022).

The Power of Structure and Routine

Working in an office also helps create discipline and motivation, something many miss when working from home. 33.5% of respondents said they appreciate the sense of structure that comes with a regular commute and defined workspace. Dressing for work, leaving the house, and engaging with colleagues can all help to build focus and ambition throughout the day.

This structure is especially important for small business owners looking to grow. A dedicated office brings energy and accountability to a team, fostering collaboration and professionalism that’s harder to maintain remotely.

How Offices Help Businesses Grow

At Cambrai Court, several tenants have experienced remarkable growth since moving into their own workspace. First Mats, for example, have expanded rapidly — growing by 500% and even moving into a larger office within Cambrai Court as their business scaled. Having a professional setting to meet clients, collaborate with colleagues, and separate work from home life can make all the difference.

For many businesses, the decision to move into an office marks a turning point. It encourages ambition, improves communication, and helps attract talent who value the benefits of in-person work.

A Balanced Approach

The future of work is unlikely to be entirely remote or fully office-based. Hybrid working remains the most popular setup for many professionals, with 40% of UK jobseekers favouring a blend of home and office (CV-Library, 2025). But the message is clear — the office is far from obsolete. Instead, it’s being rediscovered as a vital part of career growth, mental wellbeing, and business development.

If you’re considering whether it’s time to move out of the home office, exploring the options available at Cambrai Court could be a valuable next step. And if you’d like to read more about how an office can reduce distractions and improve focus, see our earlier article: The Benefits of Renting Office Space vs Working from Home.

‍