New research shows that while hybrid work remains dominant in the post-pandemic workforce, in-office attendance has risen in 2024, and attendance patterns are gradually trending towards a five-day workweek — though with flexible hours.
Research from Bevi, a supplier of office water solutions, shows in-office attendance increased in the first half of 2024 and is now at 62% of pre-pandemic levels. This resurgence of in-office work is led by employers in large U.S. cities including Los Angeles and Boston.
The data reveals Mondays are an increasingly popular day for in-office work. Attendance on the first day of the week is reported to have risen by 8% since last year — reaching 58% of pre-pandemic levels. Fortune reports that the increase is primarily driven by larger firms like Deutsche Bank mandating in-office presence at the start of the week.
Friday also experienced a subtle increase in office attendance but was found to be only at 47% of pre-pandemic attendance levels. Friday’s data reflects hybrid employees’ preference to pick Fridays as a flexible workday.
Overall office attendance during the middle of the workweek is closest to pre-pandemic levels; Bevi reveals that Tuesday through Thursday office attendance is nearing 75% of pre-pandemic levels.
While in-office attendance across the workforce has progressively increased over the past year, 20% of office attendance now occurs outside the traditionally standard 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours — compared to 13% pre-pandemic.
“With hybrid work, there’s more flexibility to manage everyday life, whether it’s avoiding rush hour, handling family duties, running errands, or making use of the office during quieter evening hours,” according to the findings.
While work environments in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector remain largely unchanged — maintaining a steady three-day per week attendance — other industries including Finance & Insurance, Manufacturing, and Professional, Scientific & Technical all saw increases in office attendance this year. The tech sector recorded an 11% increase in office attendance on Mondays and Fridays as well.
