The end of the 9-5 day – new research shows a split working day could soon be the norm

27 July 2021

The latest insight from Landsec’s exploration of evolving office practices has revealed a surprising new trend that has the potential to alter “peak commuting” times and how the population interacts with cities. 
There is an increasing popularity of a ‘split day’ between work and home, reflecting an evolving view of a working environment. 52% of office workers in London will split individual working days between the office and home; choosing to come into the office for part of the day. 42% of respondents believe an improved work/life balance would be the main benefit from these ‘split days’ and over a fifth of people polled are looking to do this on a weekly basis, if not more. 

This new research is part of a broader review of people’s sentiments regarding the gradual return to an office life, new trends that this will drive and, crucially, what the broader future of work will look like in the UK. 

Last week, Landsec research showed that a majority of London’s office workers (over 70%) were already returning to office life in some capacity as they adjust to the easing of restrictions. The insights released today show that office workers are also starting to think more creatively about how hybrid working might benefit their working week. 

The responses, from a sample size of over 1000 office workers from across the UK, have consistently shown a widespread desire to return to some form of office life as well as an evolving view of what working life should look like. 

The latest research also shows that workers are eager to return to London offices as the social benefits people experience while in the city cannot be replicated at home.

Nearly half of respondents believe that they have been missing out on building stronger relations with colleagues when staying at home. Reflecting the potential benefits for the surrounding city eco-system, 62% saw the opportunity to visit a pub, bar or restaurant after work as the primary benefit from a split day. 

Marcus Geddes, Managing Director of Central London, said: “The social and enabling benefits of an office environment are well understood but our research has found a new growing trend among city workers that reinforces the continued appeal cities have to our working lives. And it potentially signals an end to crowded rush hour trains as workers embrace the possibilities of truly flexible working. 

“We are all on a journey to explore how we make ‘hybrid’ work both for individuals and for businesses. Our research is consistently showing us that people value flexibility, the connections they can forge in the office in-person, and that they want to enjoy the benefits of being based in a city. Split days are a way of maximising the benefits of hybrid working, while also supporting the ability of cities to bounce back from the pandemic.”

Ends

The online survey of the UK public was conducted in partnership with Portland, which is accredited by the British Polling Council. Portland polled 1,019 UK adults (aged 18+) who primarily worked in an office in the UK before COVID-19. For any questions about the methodology, please contact: polling@portland-communications.com