The way we work is changing, fast. Owl Labs’ latest pulse survey, spanning 6,000 office workers across the UK, US, France, and Germany (1,500 per country), reveals how hybrid models, workplace culture, and technology are reshaping the office experience. For business leaders and tech decision-makers, these findings point to what’s working, what’s not, and what’s just getting started.

In the UK, the four-day week takes the crown, becoming increasingly popular as national trials see significant success. Equally, trends such as “work-to-rule” and “coffee badging” reflect employees’ pushback on inflexible organisations and increased in-office mandates. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll be zooming in on the evolving trends and attitudes shaping the hybrid workplace specifically within the UK.

Four-day week: From trend to mainstream

The four-day workweek isn’t just a headline; it’s gaining real traction. In the UK, nearly half (48%) of companies now offer a four-day week as an option. And, it doesn’t appear to be a passing fad, with 83% of UK workers predicting the four-day week will be more popular than the traditional five-day model by 2030. Younger generations lead the charge on this: 91% of Gen Z and 87% of millennials foresee this growth, compared with 77% of gen X and 53% of boomers.

For UK workers, the benefits are clear:

• 76% of employees say a four-day week would improve work-life balance.

• 74% value the extra time for personal development.

• 72% expect a boost in job satisfaction.

• 67% believe productivity would rise.

Some concerns remain, with 60% worrying about longer workdays, and 38% foreseeing potential impacts on customer service. But the momentum is unmistakable: the five-day workweek may soon be the exception, not the rule.

Boundaries, balance, and new trends

The return-to-office (RTO) debate rolls on, with many organisations recently coming under fire in the press for increasing their in-office expectations. In 2025, the average UK office worker expects to be in the office 3.5 days a week, but only 41% expect a full five-day schedule, a drop from 46% in 2024. Companies enforcing stricter RTO mandates may want to take note: nearly four in five workers facing increased in-office demands are already looking for new jobs.

What’s fueling RTO? The top reasons cited are productivity, team cohesion, and leadership visibility. Yet, 56% believe these mandates stem from a perception that remote work means less output, which is a stigma that’s proving hard to shake.

With mandates come new behaviours. “Coffee badging”, checking in at the office just long enough to be seen before heading home to work, is on the rise in the UK. This year, 39% of UK workers admit to coffee badging, up from 23% last year. Most who’ve tried it have been “caught” by managers, but over half say their employer didn’t mind. It’s a sign that, for many, showing up is becoming more about optics than output.

In addition to coffee badging, a trend towards “working-to-rule” is becoming increasingly popular. This involves an employee only performing the specific tasks in their job description and not taking on any additional responsibilities. Younger workers are the most likely to do this, with 48% of Gen Z and millennials already having taken part, compared to 24% of Gen X and just 8% of boomers. These trends, therefore, aren’t just Gen Z fads. Workers across generations are setting firmer boundaries and seeking more purposeful, authentic employment experiences.

Why technology still matters

Hybrid work is only possible without a solid technological foundation. Nearly all UK employees (93%) say their office setup affects productivity and wellbeing. The pain points are familiar: outdated devices, patchy WiFi, and distracting noise. Hybrid meetings, in particular, can break down when connectivity falters or audio drops out, which are challenges reported by 83% of workers.

But these challenges aren’t unsolvable. When organisations prioritise investment in robust, reliable technology, the difference is immediate and measurable. The right tools, like AI-powered meeting cameras, intuitive meeting software, and high-quality audio systems, can turn hybrid meetings from a source of frustration into a seamless, inclusive experience. Employees agree: 86% call for more investment in tech, highlighting reliable internet, improved AV equipment, and better training as top priorities.

Hybrid-ready technology doesn’t just address distractions; it levels the playing field. It ensures remote participants are seen and heard, enables real-time collaboration on digital whiteboards, and makes every meeting more productive, regardless of where team members are working.

Hybrid is here to stay

2025’s workplace is all about choice, boundaries, and adapting to what people actually want from work. The four-day week is gaining ground, flexibility is non-negotiable, and new trends are reshaping the rhythm of the workday. Technology, fairness, and supportive policies will define the winners in this next phase.

For business leaders and tech decision-makers, the path forward means listening closely, investing wisely, and creating a culture where everyone, no matter where they work, can thrive.