A new CBRE survey reveals a persistent gap between employer expectations and employee office attendance across Europe. While 54% of companies require office presence at least 3 days per week, only 42% actually achieve this target. The survey included 117 European companies, including firms operating in the Czech Republic.
Companies are actively seeking ways to increase workplace presence, with 47% planning to work on higher office attendance compared to just 31% last year. The financial services sector shows the largest gap, where 61% of firms require 3+ days attendance but only 32% of employees achieve this frequency. Rather than mandates, companies plan positive motivation through more appealing work environments.
"For more than half of companies (53%), the biggest challenge today is creating a dynamic and inspiring work environment. We're encountering a paradox – people don't want to come to half-empty offices, but their absence creates the emptiness they're avoiding," describes Simon Orr, head of tenant representation for office leasing at Cbre.
Average weekly office utilization stands at 46%, reaching 71% during peak days. The technology, media and telecommunications sector saw utilization on busiest days increase from 61% to 69%, as major tech companies tightened work-from-home policies. Companies aim for flexible spaces to comprise 29% of their portfolio by 2027, representing 8% growth from current levels.
"Companies are transitioning to more flexible arrangements where more employees share fewer workstations. The traditional 'one person per desk' model is rapidly disappearing," says Helena Hemrova, head of office leasing at Cbre Czech Republic. She adds that 88% of companies now measure workspace effectiveness, up from 60% last year.
