Virgin Media O2’s latest study on hybrid working shows younger workers returning to offices in larger numbers than older staff as the balance between office and home shifts. The research notes that daily routines are no longer the same for all ages, with younger employees increasingly commuting to work this year after a sharp drop at the end of last year.

Across age groups, the data reveals three trends. 18 to 24-year-olds have rebounded, while those aged 25 to 34 saw a 10% fall in commuting in the second quarter compared with a year earlier. In addition, 35 to 44-year-olds travelled 5% fewer trips. Workers aged 45 to 54 were down by 5%, and those over 65 recorded a similar decline, pointing to a gradual decrease in regular commuting overall.

Jeanie York, chief technology officer at Virgin Media O2, said: ‘Commuting in the UK is no longer one-size-fits-all. While younger workers are increasing their trips to the office, the trend across other age groups shows Brits are embracing hybrid routines.’ Kelly Nicoll, president of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, said: ‘Our own research has shown that around half of 18 to 24-year-olds say home and hybrid working makes it harder to build relationships with colleagues and managers. Hybrid working can be effective. Managers need to build in structured supervision time and regular check-ins with young workers and hybrid workers. They need to cover performance and address wider issues such as health, safety and wellbeing, as well as mentoring, coaching and career development.’