Hybrid Creep: The Subtle Shift Redefining Hybrid Work

Why more companies are quietly calling teams back to the office — and what it means for the future of work.

The flexible workplace industry has never been static. From rigid nine-to-five schedules to remote work, the office has continually evolved. Recently, a new trend has emerged, called “hybrid creep.”

What Is Hybrid Creep?

Hybrid work was initially the perfect balance. Employees could enjoy the comfort of home while benefiting from office collaboration. However, recent reports in The Guardian and Business Insider show a shift. Employers are quietly increasing office days. What began as one or two days per week now often requires three or more.

This “creep” reflects a growing concern among leaders that extended remote working may dilute company culture, slow down innovation, and limit the spontaneous collaboration that sparks new ideas. Additionally, Futures Works research shows that employees are also beginning to feel the impact of long periods away from their teams — including isolation. Moreover, boundaries between work and life blur, and career development opportunities can decrease.

Why Companies Are Shifting Back

The move towards more office time is not simply about oversight. Employers are recognising that the physical workplace plays a unique role in building trust, creativity, and cohesion. Casual conversations in kitchens or structured brainstorming sessions help strengthen connections that digital tools cannot fully replicate.

In London, the office is again a strategic asset. Companies see it as a tool to retain talent, boost wellbeing, and drive success. Flexible office space is now an investment in people, rather than just real estate.

The eOffice Perspective

At eOffice, we have witnessed every phase of this evolution. For over 20 years, we have been at the forefront of the coworking and flexible office industry in London and were among the very first coworking spaces to operate on a global scale. Having recently moved our headquarters to Richmond Mews in Soho, we remain committed to creating environments where businesses — whether start-ups, freelancers, or established corporations — can thrive.

Our Founder and CEO, Pier Paolo Mucelli, has been a living testimony of these shifts. From the dot-com boom to the post-pandemic hybrid era, he has seen workplace models transform dramatically. Yet throughout all these changes, one truth endures: the essentials of business success remain constant. Companies of every size need inspiring environments that support both productivity and wellbeing.

The Challenge Ahead

As hybrid creep continues to shape workplace policies, the challenge for organisations is not merely to require employees back in the office, but to design spaces worth returning to. This means offices that prioritise:

• Flexibility – allowing teams to adapt their schedules without losing cohesion.
• Wellbeing – ensuring the workplace supports mental health, physical comfort, and balance.
• Community – fostering meaningful connections between colleagues and across industries.
• Inspiration – providing environments that encourage creativity and innovation.

At eOffice, we have built our philosophy around these principles. We believe that the right workspace is more than just a desk — it is an ecosystem that nurtures both professional and personal growth.

Looking Forward

Hybrid creep may be the latest headline, but the broader trend is clear: the office is far from obsolete. Instead, it is being reimagined. For London businesses navigating this new phase, the key lies in embracing flexibility while ensuring their people feel supported, inspired, and connected.

As one of the pioneers of the global coworking movement, eOffice will continue to provide spaces that not only adapt to change but also set the standard for what the workplace of the future should be.

Because while trends may shift, one thing does not change: when people are in the right environment, they can achieve their best work and build lasting success.