The debate over remote work versus office attendance is heating up again, and companies are finally drawing a line in the sand.
Barclays, WPP, and Lloyds have all recently put their foot down, signalling what should in my opinion be obvious: the office is typically where the magic happens.
While remote work had its moment, the reality is that showing up in person is a game-changerโfor employees, businesses, clients, and the economy.
The productivity argument
Working from home isnโt always the zen-like haven of focus and efficiency that some claim. The office brings structure, accountability, and the kind of rapid-fire problem-solving that gets results.
And letโs not forget the power of casual, impromptu conversations. Some of the best ideas arenโt born in a scheduled Zoom call; they happen in the break room, in passing chats, and in moments of spontaneous brainstorming. The reality is that a vibrant office setting beats a never-ending cycle of โYouโre on muteโ any day.
Career development and workplace culture
For younger employees, remote work is a career killer. The office is where mentorship happens naturallyโnot through scheduled video calls, but through real-life interactions with experienced colleagues.
Itโs no surprise that top investment banks like JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs were quick to reinstate in-person work. They know firsthand that the next generation of leaders isnโt built over email chains.
Company culture is built in the office, not on WhatsApp. Being around colleagues, engaging in face-to-face discussions, and actually feeling part of a team fuels loyalty and career progression in a way that remote work simply canโt match. A company where employees barely see each other risks becoming a collection of disconnected freelancers rather than a unified force.
Client satisfaction and business growth
Clients expect availability, responsiveness, and a level of service thatโs harder to deliver remotely. Yes, digital tools help, but thereโs no replacement for sitting across from a client and reading the room. Big deals are often sealed in person, where trust is built through genuine human interaction.
Plus, innovation thrives in collaborative spaces. When teams are together, ideas spark faster, problems are solved quicker, and businesses move at a sharper pace. The best companies know this, and theyโre ensuring their teams stay engaged in a real-world setting where creativity flows.
The economic case
The impact of remote work has been brutal on city economies. When office spaces sit empty, restaurants, coffee shops, and local businesses suffer.
A thriving business district fuels everything around it, from public transport to commercial real estate. Companies that commit to office-based work arenโt just benefiting their own teams; theyโre supporting a broader economic ecosystem.
And letโs talk about job security. When employees are remote, companies start seeing location as optionalโmeaning jobs can be outsourced to cheaper markets. Being in the office signals commitment, making employees more likely to secure promotions, raises, and long-term career growth.
The path forward
The workplace has evolved, but one truth remains: real success happens in person.
Companies doubling down on office attendance are making a long-term investment in their workforce, their culture, and their ability to win. While remote work had its time and place, businesses that prioritise in-person collaboration I believe will continue to outpace those that donโt.
So yes, tech is great, and some flexibility is fineโbut the office is where careers are built, deals are made, and real progress happens. Smart businesses know it, and theyโre making the right call.
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