Return to Office at Highest Level Since March 2020

Office workers in the U.S. are back at the office at the highest rate since the beginning of pandemic-related shutdowns in March 2020. 

That’s according to the latest Kastle Systems Back to Work Barometer, a national barometer that measures occupancy in more than 2,600 buildings in 10 major metro office markets. 

By the end of March, the measure had reached 42% of pre-pandemic levels. 

Is this a sign that working patterns are returning to pre-pandemic norms? 

Perhaps, as one bellwether for the return to the office is federal workers – many of whom are expected to return to their offices at least part time by the end of the month. 

However, despite the increasing number of people returning to workplaces, remote and hybrid work remains a popular choice for employees. 

The Kastle barometer shows that nearly 60% of pre-pandemic office workers still haven’t returned to in-person work.