Who’s back at the office? A look at industry office traffic trends

No question about it—people are heading back to the office. But while some industries are packing the office, others are taking their time. Recent data reveals where office foot traffic is surging and where it’s steady, showing how each sector is setting its own pace in the return-to-office landscape. Let’s dive into who’s leading the charge and who’s easing back in.

Professional services: Leading the pack

Professional services leads all sectors with a 28.5% quarterly increase and a 52.2% year-to-date gain in foot traffic. This industry also saw a substantial 13% rise compared to the same period last year, up from 15.4%. As client needs grow and collaboration becomes key, the sector is showing a clear shift back to office-based work.

Pharma and biotech: Strong quarter, steady growth

Pharma and biotech saw a strong 20.8% rise in office foot traffic in the last three months. Although year-to-date growth is a modest 8.6%, the sector has made a noticeable jump from 2023, with a 15.5% increase. Research and development in these fields often require lab presence, driving a solid return to in-person work.

Manufacturing: The rise continues

Manufacturing is moving steadily back to the office, with a 10.4% uptick in the last quarter and an impressive 41.2% rise year-to-date. Foot traffic here is up by 5.6% compared to the same period last year, showing a sustained trend toward in-person work. Manufacturing is all about hands-on processes, so it’s no surprise that employees are increasingly back onsite.

Media and entertainment: Consistent but cautious

With a 9% quarterly gain, the media and entertainment industry is making a cautious return to the workplace. Year-to-date, foot traffic is up just 7%, marking the slowest growth among the sectors. However, compared to 2023, there’s been a notable 12.1% rise. This sector’s creativity thrives on collaboration, but remote flexibility still holds strong.

Tech: A consistent comeback

The tech sector, known for remote-friendly policies, is seeing a stable return to the office. Employee entries increased by 8.3% over the past three months and 26.2% year-to-date. Compared to last year, the sector has risen by 15.6%, showing that while flexibility remains, in-person work is making a comeback.

Food, beverage, and consumer goods: Slow and steady

In the food and beverage (and broader consumer goods) sector, employee entries have climbed just 4.4% over the past three months. While this sector saw a healthy 23.% increase year-to-date, it’s still recovering from a dip in 2023, which saw foot traffic drop by 7.2%. This industry seems to be pacing its return, likely balancing production needs with flexible work.

One size doesn’t fit all

The data shows a clear trend: the return to office is here, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Industries are adapting at their own speed, balancing flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration. Whether it’s the fast-paced return in professional services or the gradual comeback in F&B, each sector is finding its rhythm.

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This blog is a part of our broader Data Snack Series. Have a look at our previous posts, and stay tuned for new workplace insights!