Return-to-Office vs Hybrid vs Remote Work

In our latest Future of the Office Report, we surveyed 2,000 UK office workers and 500 business leaders to understand how working behaviours are evolving. With return-to-office (RTO) mandates re-emerging, hybrid working maturing, and remote-first models evolving, we set out to learn what’s working, what’s not, and how companies are adapting.

Our research revealed diverse views by industry, seniority and region - but one thing was consistent: while where we work has changed, the office still plays a critical role. At Orega, we support every modern working style with serviced offices, on-demand meeting rooms, and flex workspaces across the UK - all designed to support hybrid working, team collaboration, and business growth.

What Is the Difference Between Remote, Hybrid and RTO Working?

As working preferences shift, it’s important to clarify the key working models shaping UK business strategy today:

• Remote working: Employees work entirely outside the office, often from home or other non-central locations.
• Hybrid working model: Staff split time between office and remote settings, typically on a pre-agreed schedule.
• Return to office (RTO): A mandate requiring employees to return to the office full-time or on most working days.
• Flexible working: A broader term that includes variations in working hours, locations, and patterns, often overlapping with hybrid working.
  
  

How Have Working Behaviours Changed?

Since the pandemic, most UK companies have moved away from full-time office mandates. Hybrid working has become the new norm, according to our survey:

• 67% of office workers now follow a hybrid model
• Just 33% are back in the office five days a week - up from 27% in 2022, but still far below pre-COVID levels of 73%
• 38% work from the office 2-3 days a week, whilst just 10% only come into the office one day a week
• Strikingly, 0% of employees surveyed now work fully remote, highlighting a marked shift toward office reintegration
  
  

Benefits and Disadvantages of Hybrid Working

Benefits of Hybrid Working

Hybrid working is often viewed as the best of both worlds. Employees get flexibility while businesses retain physical space for collaboration and growth.

Key advantages include:

• Better work-life balance, including reduced commuting and more autonomy
• Increased productivity through tailored working environments
• Access to wider talent pools not restricted by geography
• Greater inclusivity for employees with caregiving responsibilities, disabilities, or specific working needs
• Cost savings for businesses reducing long-term leases
• Improved wellbeing through choice and flexibility

What Are the Downsides of Hybrid Working?

Despite the upsides, hybrid work also introduces challenges:

• Communication gaps if teams aren’t consistently co-located
• Scheduling difficulties for meetings and collaboration
• Inequality in work environments, particularly for those with poor home office setups
• Reduced mentoring and learning opportunities, especially for junior staff
• Data security risks when sensitive work is done off-site

This is why having access to professional, secure office space is essential, even if your team isn’t full-time in the office.

Hybrid Work vs Return to Office: What Does the Data Say?

Hybrid work remains the most popular model, but RTO is on the rise:

• 58% of employers now support 2-4 office days a week
• 31% of leaders prefer full-time office attendance
• 67% of London-based leaders back hybrid working, likely due to commuting costs
• In the North West, 66% of leaders say productivity has improved under hybrid models

While hybrid working remains the most popular model, the office continues to play a vital role in business success. For companies embracing remote work, having a virtual office address can offer a level of professionalism and credibility. But when it comes to productivity, collaboration and growth, business leaders are placing increasing importance on access to physical, well-designed office space, particularly premium serviced offices that provide flexibility and support.

• 83% of leaders say the office is essential for productivity and focus
• 81% believe it’s key to communication and collaboration
• 80% value it as a space for creativity and access to technology

Employees feel the same:

• 75% appreciate the ability to collaborate in-person
• 69% say the office helps them focus and stay productive
• 62% view it as important for career progression and mentoring

A fully remote model may no longer meet evolving team needs. Our survey found zero respondents working entirely from home. Instead, employees and leaders favour flexibility, but with access to high-quality office space when needed.

That’s where our flex spaces come in. Flexible offices offer a physical headquarters when needed, without the rigidity of traditional leases.

How Orega Office Spaces Support Every Working Model

In today’s dynamic business landscape, flexibility is essential. Whether you’re managing a hybrid workforce, scaling up, or entering a new market, having the right office infrastructure gives your team the stability and adaptability they need.

Our flexible office spaces are designed to meet the needs of every working model:

• Scalable workspaces that grow with your team and projects
• Fully equipped meeting rooms, quiet zones and breakout areas to support productivity and collaboration
• Secure, tech-enabled environments with reliable IT infrastructure and expert support
• Premium office experiences that help attract and retain top talent

Our latest research confirms this shift:

• 55% of UK businesses already operate from flexible office space
• 59% view flex as a long-term alternative to traditional leasing
• 52% of those not yet in flex are likely to consider it in the future

Crucially, workspace quality has become a key factor in staff retention. Nearly half (48%) of office workers say they’d consider leaving a role due to poor office conditions. That’s why finding the right space is more than just a logistical choice - it’s a strategic one.

Whether you're seeking the best offices in London or the coolest workspaces in Manchester, our nationwide portfolio puts employee wellbeing at the heart of workplace design. If you're looking to create a workspace that your team genuinely enjoys spending time in, our serviced offices are built to deliver.

Why Orega Offices Are Built for Modern Workplace Models

From hybrid to fully in-office models, our serviced offices are built to flex around your business. Every location is thoughtfully designed to support the real needs of modern teams - from focus to collaboration and everything in between.

Our spaces include:

• Beautifully designed private offices and shared lounges
• Tech-enabled meeting rooms and soundproof phone booths
• Climate-controlled environments with natural light
• Concierge-level service and fully managed facilities

With flexible terms, scalable layouts and an emphasis on professional design, our offices make it easy to adapt as your business evolves. Whether you're shifting from remote to hybrid, trialling a RTO policy or simply expanding your footprint, we provide the spaces to make it work.

Explore our locations to see how Orega can support your team, wherever and however you work.