Kadence Return-to-Office Pulse Check

At Kadence, we’ve crunched data from over 500 companies to uncover the latest trends shaping how we work—and what you can do to keep up.

US Stabilizes at 2 Hybrid Days Per Week; Canada Takes a More Relaxed Hybrid Approach

Australia’s office workers are leading the charge, clocking in at least three days a week! Meanwhile, in the US, hybrid work has settled into a rhythm of two office days per week. Canada, however, is taking a much more laid-back approach with roughly one in-office day a week. The UK? It’s holding firm as the hybrid holdout. Office attendance remains pretty flat, but there’s been a small post-summer bump as big companies nudge employees back to their desks.

Australia: With high attendance, think about creating vibrant, engaging office spaces for regulars. US & UK: Hybrid’s here to stay, so clear communication about hybrid policies is key. Canada: Keep investing in remote work setups, but don’t neglect flexible office spaces for those occasional in-office days.

What’s the takeaway for workplace leaders?

  • Australia: With high attendance, think about creating vibrant, engaging office spaces for regulars.
  • US & UK: Hybrid’s here to stay, so clear communication about hybrid policies is key.
  • Canada: Keep investing in remote work setups, but don’t neglect flexible office spaces for those occasional in-office days.
UK Shows Strong RTO Resistance; Australia with the highest in-office engagement

In Canada, remote work and occasional office visits are the norm, showing just how much flexible work has taken hold. The UK is following a similar path, with employees showing a strong preference for remote working, pushing back against full return to office mandates. Meanwhile, Australia stands out with the highest in-office engagement, as workers average 2–3 days a week in the office—a sign of a balanced approach that blends remote flexibility with in-person collaboration.

How can you adapt?

  • In Canada and the UK, lean into remote work. Flexible desks, collaborative tools, and easy-to-use desk booking software can make life easier for everyone.
  • For Australia and the US, focus on getting hybrid schedules right. It’s all about balancing collaboration spaces with quiet zones for heads-down work. Check out how we can help with hybrid coordination.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays continue to be the peak in-office days across all regions.

Across the board, mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is prime time for office attendance. Europeans and Americans tend to stick to 2–3 office days, focusing on this mid-week sweet spot. Meanwhile, Australians are flipping the script, with Monday office days peaking and attendance tapering off by Thursday.

What should you do about it?

  • For the US and Europe: Maximize mid-week days. Make sure Tuesdays and Wednesdays are prepped for peak office traffic with plenty of space and resources.
  • For Australia: Embrace the early-week buzz and let things wind down toward Thursday. Consider a more laid-back setup later in the week to match the drop in attendance.
Making the Office Work for Everyone

Hybrid isn’t just a work style—it’s a mindset shift. The office is more than desks and meeting rooms; it’s where ideas flow, teams bond, and culture thrives. To make hybrid work, you need to create spaces that people actually want to use. By tapping into data like this—on attendance patterns and space usage—you can design workplaces that inspire collaboration, build connections, and keep productivity high. The future of work is flexible. Are you ready to lead the way?