Office‑plunging Companies See a 36% Boost in September
What’s the big deal?
When businesses start filling their desks with new chairs, fancy printers and the sweet scent of fresh coffee, they’re doing more than just buying stuff. They’re signaling a return to the workplace buzz that the pandemic left behind.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Over 30,000 firms from 16 European markets, UK included, were tracked by Pleo.
- In September, 30 % of all Pleo spend on office‑related items jumped to 36 % higher than during the sunny summer months.
- Amazon Marketplace was the king of transactions, turning out to be the go‑to spot for office gear.
- IKEA saw a 26 % rise in Q3 spending versus Q2, proving that even those who remember buying Ikea sofas at 4 am are now treating corporate spaces with the same love.
- According to Brookfield Properties, a richly furnished office nudges 75 % of staff to prefer the office over remote work—versus 53 % in leaner setups.
- A whopping 63 % of UK business leaders expect a full back‑to‑office shift by 2026, as per KPMG’s CEO Outlook.
Why Employees (and CEOs) Are Doing a Full Office Groove
Remote work proved you could run a business from anywhere, but the pandemic left an honest truth in plain sight: face‑to‑face collabs spark creativity, morale and a sense of belonging. When companies invest in stylish, welcoming spaces, they nurture an “office culture” that keeps talent sticking around.
James Keating on the Office Phenomenon
“Their mindset has shifted in the past year,” says Pleo’s Chief Marketing Officer, James Keating. “The pandemic showed that remote work could work, but leaders are remembering the huge benefits of having everyone in the same room.” He adds, “It’s not just about desks; it’s about creating a place people love to be in, whether meeting clients or collaborating on the next big project.”
Keating predicts a continued blast of office investments as leaders balance getting staff back in the physical arena with the feel‑good factor that makes the commute worthwhile.
Final Thought
In essence, as businesses keep dialing up their office budgets, they’re also dialing up their confidence that people thrive when they’re together. The next chapter? Making every workday a delightful office adventure.
