Phone data activity shows that the most popular days in the office are Tuesday to Thursday.
According to analysis from PlaceMake.io and Visitor Insights of over 500 UK high streets, city centers were especially busy during this time frame based on phone usage, but saw just 50% of that activity on Mondays.
While a sure sign that remote and hybrid work have become a mainstay in the UK’s workforce, it could spell trouble for districts that rely on professionals for economic activity. According to David Inskip, CBRE’s head of European research, this means offices will need to do more to entice workers.
“It has to be a high quality built environment that draws you in,” said Inskip.
While this trend could initially hurt city centers, suburbs and small towns are eagerly welcoming their newfound activity.
For instance, Kirkby, Merseyside saw a 160% increase in footfalls over the last three years, thanks to the introduction of a new supermarket and other amenities that are keeping residents from having to commute to larger cities.
“Residents are spending more time at home and in their local community and finding they can do a lot without venturing too far out,” said Chlump Chatkupt, founder of PlaceMake.io.