Back-to-work mandates are becoming increasingly common, as the effects of COVID recede. But do these mandates mean workers are returning to their companies’ offices? According to June 2023 metrics released by Placer.ai , the answer is yes.
By analyzing foot traffic from 800 office buildings nationwide, Placer.ai analysts first indicated that foot traffic in offices during the first half of 2023 was down 39.7% compared to 2019’s same period figures; however, this decrease had narrowed to 35% by June 2023 and “foot traffic reached its highest level since before the pandemic,” according to Placer experts’ analysis . Regional variations were also noted: “tech-heavy San Francisco continues lagging significantly behind other cities while New York City, Washington D.C., and Miami vie for top recovery spots.” All analyzed cities saw a greater recovery in June than they did on average during H1 of that year .
But employers supporting back-to-work initiatives shouldn’t be too hasty with celebration just yet – metrics indicate at work ‘dwell time’ has dropped significantly since 2019 meaning those coming into office don’t spend as much days there anymore . Ethan Chernofsky , Senior Vice President of Marketing at Placer said “Considering efforts made towards bringing employees back more regularly and reducing excuses not make it into work – wider pattern hybrid working still holds strong”. The commentary raises questions about whether or not these numbers suggest a shift in new hybrid normal; Chernofsky added “Could it continue shifting? Yes… Is it clear now that hybrid working has fundamental & lasting impact on office behavior? Definitely.”
