Back in March 2020, working from home became the norm almost overnight.
For many, it continued well into 2021 — and even beyond. What started as a temporary solution quickly became a long-term way of working, with many companies embracing remote or hybrid models.
At the time, it felt like a positive shift.
No commute. More flexibility. A better work-life balance.
But now, six years on, the conversation is changing.
Businesses and professionals alike are starting to ask:
Is working from home still delivering the same benefits — or has something been lost along the way?
What Has Changed Since 2020?
In the early days of remote working, productivity often held steady — and in some cases even improved.
But longer-term patterns are now clearer.
Recent studies and employer trends show:
- Many businesses are encouraging more time back in the office
- Hybrid working has become the dominant model, with around 40–50% of UK workers now working in a hybrid way
- Over 70% of professionals say they are most productive with a mix of home and office working, rather than fully remote
It’s no longer about choosing one or the other.
It’s about finding an environment that supports focus, connection, and consistency.
When Working from Home Starts to Feel Different
For many professionals across North London, the experience of working from home today feels very different to how it did in 2020.
At The Brentano Suite, we hear this regularly.
At first, it worked well. But over time, small challenges begin to build:
- The structure of the day becomes less defined
- Work and home life start to overlap
- Motivation becomes harder to maintain
- Opportunities to interact with others reduce
And perhaps most noticeably — a sense of disconnection.
According to recent UK data, around 7% of adults reported feeling lonely often or always in 2024–2025, with many more experiencing it occasionally.
Alongside this, there’s growing awareness of how our work environment impacts both productivity and wellbeing.
Working from home can be comfortable, but it can also mean:
- Less movement during the day
- Fewer natural social interactions
- No clear boundary between “work mode” and “home mode”
Over time, this can affect focus, energy, and overall motivation.
The Shift Towards Hybrid Working
Rather than returning fully to the office, many professionals are settling into a more balanced way of working.
Hybrid working has become the preferred approach — combining the flexibility of working from home with the structure and interaction of a professional environment.
This shift reflects a broader change in mindset.
It’s no longer about choosing one over the other — it’s about having the right setup to support how you work best.
For those working from home, having access to professional space when needed can make all the difference.
Whether it’s booking a meeting room for a client presentation or using workspace for a focused day, it allows you to stay flexible while maintaining a professional image.
It’s not about where you can work.
It’s about where you work best.
Why a Professional Environment Still Matters
There’s something that working from home can’t fully replace — the environment.
A dedicated workspace brings:
- A clearer sense of routine
- Fewer distractions
- Opportunities for conversation and collaboration
- A more professional setting for clients
Many of our clients across our North London locations — including Finchley, Hampstead Garden Suburb and Elstree — particularly freelancers, small business owners and remote professionals, tell us they didn’t realise how much they missed a professional environment until they returned, even just one or two days a week.
Whether it’s a simple change of scenery or being around other professionals, even a few days a week can make a noticeable difference.
Our regular coffee mornings in Finchley are a good example — informal, relaxed, and often where new connections begin.
It’s not forced networking. It’s just being around people again.
A Flexible Step Forward: Virtual Offices
Not everyone is ready for a full-time office — and that’s completely understandable.
That’s where a virtual office in North London offers a practical next step.
It allows you to:
- Use a professional business address
- Maintain credibility without full-time costs
- Work from home while keeping flexibility
- Access meeting rooms when needed
For many, it’s a simple way to move forward — without making a big commitment.
So, What’s the Right Approach?
Six years on, the answer is clearer than ever:
There’s no single “best” way to work.
But there is a better fit for where you are now.
- Working from home offers flexibility
- Offices offer structure and connection
- Hybrid working brings the best of both
The key is recognising when your current setup is no longer supporting you in the same way.
Final Thoughts
Working from home changed the way we work — and in many ways, for the better.
But as time has passed, it’s become clear that flexibility alone isn’t always enough.
For many professionals, the next step isn’t going back — it’s moving forward into a more balanced way of working.
At The Brentano Suite, we support that transition — whether through serviced offices, day let offices or virtual office solutions across North London.
Ready for a Better Way to Work?
Visit one of our North London locations — Finchley, Hampstead Garden Suburb or Elstree — and experience the difference for yourself.
👉 Explore Virtual Office and Day Let Offices Options