The Ultimate Guide to Implementing a Successful Hybrid Office Model in London

The way London works has shifted significantly in recent years. For founders, CEOs and COOs leading businesses in this evolving market, the hybrid working model has become an increasingly common consideration. It’s not the answer for every company, but for many, it’s a practical response to changing employee expectations and a way to create more balanced, adaptable work lives.

This guide shares practical insights for decision-makers thinking about how hybrid could work for them. We’ll look at what makes a hybrid workplace successful in London, from design to operations, and how to align it with your people and your purpose. At Soul Spaces, we’ve helped businesses across the city shape spaces that reflect how they work best, and we’re here to help you do the same

Understanding the Hybrid Office Model in London

Hybrid working can take many forms. For some, it means a few days a week working remotely. For others, the office is mainly a place to collaborate and meet face to face. In London, hybrid working often means employees split their time between a private office, sometimes a serviced office with shared amenities like meeting rooms or breakout areas and working remotely, usually from home. According to the ONS, around 28% of working adults were working this way in autumn 2024, with Mondays and Fridays being the most popular days to work from home. It’s clear this isn’t just a short-lived trend.

For London businesses, there are obvious draws:

● Talent and Retention: It opens up a bigger talent pool, letting companies bring in people who don’t want to commute every day. It also appeals to workers who value flexibility, which is key in such a competitive market. Forbes Advisor UK found that 91% of workers globally see remote working as a positive.

● Smarter Use of Space: In London, real estate is expensive. Rethinking how you use it can save money or simply make better use of what you already have. It’s not always about downsizing, but about creating more purposeful space.

● Productivity and Wellbeing: Working from home can be great for deep focus, while the office is still important for collaboration and connection. Many people say this balance helps them feel more motivated and supported. Research by King’s College London found that 31% of hybrid workers feel a stronger sense of purpose in their work.

Of course, the London context adds its own layer. Long commutes mean the office has to offer real value to make the trip worthwhile. High rents and the range of business types also mean there’s no single formula. Getting hybrid working right in London means understanding these local realities and making sure your space and policies truly support your people.

Laying the Foundations for Hybrid Success

Getting hybrid working right takes more than just policies. It starts with a clear strategy that reflects your business goals and supports how your teams actually work.

Start by defining what you want to achieve. Are you looking to boost wellbeing, tap into a wider talent pool, cut costs, or encourage more innovation? Or perhaps it’s a mix of these? Clarifying your priorities will help shape every decision you make.

Next, take an honest look at how ready your business is. Think about your culture, the tech and processes you already have in place, and how different roles might work in a hybrid setup. Some teams thrive on in-person interaction. Others can work from anywhere. Talk to department heads and leaders to get a clear picture of what will work best.

Getting buy-in from your leadership team is crucial. But it’s just as important to bring employees along with you. Involving people in the planning whether through surveys, workshops, or pilot schemes  can surface invaluable feedback and build a sense of shared purpose. Research from Reworked suggests that employees are twice as engaged when they feel supported by the right tools and when they’ve had a hand in shaping how hybrid working looks.

Finally, think about how you measure success. Focus on outcomes, not hours in the office. Trust your people to manage their time in a way that works for them and the business.

Without a clear plan, even the most flexible hybrid model can fall short. It’s the strategic groundwork that turns hybrid working into a real advantage for your business and your people.

Designing Your Hybrid Workspace: More than Desks and Chairs

When the office is no longer the only place to work, its role changes. For many London businesses, the hybrid office has become a destination, a place for collaboration, innovation, and building culture. This shift has a big impact on how spaces are designed and fitted out.

● A Place to Collaborate
Offices need to encourage teamwork. Think fewer rows of desks and more spaces that suit different ways of working, project zones, informal meeting spots, conference rooms equipped for hybrid meetings and social spaces where people can connect naturally.

● Spaces that Support Tasks
Activity-Based Working (ABW) gives employees choice. They can move between quiet zones for focused work, open areas for group projects, or pods for private calls. This requires a new mindset and sometimes new booking systems but it creates a more flexible and supportive environment.

● Technology Built In
The physical office and digital workspace should work together. Good Wi-Fi and video conferencing are essentials. Design should also include easy access to power and data wherever people work.

● A Reflection of Your Culture
Your office should show who you are. Design choices should bring your brand to life and create a place people want to be. Materiality, lighting, artwork and layout all play a role in making sure your culture comes through.

● Wellbeing and Sustainability
People-first spaces that are also environmentally responsible are becoming the norm. Natural light, greenery, and comfortable breakout areas help people feel good. Features like cycle storage and showers support active commuting. Choosing sustainable materials and efficient systems also brings cost benefits.

● Making the Most of What You Have
Creating a hybrid-ready office doesn’t have to mean a big spend. Smart design can make existing space work harder. Flexible layouts and quality essentials can elevate your office without unnecessary costs. That’s what we focus on at Soul Spaces – making sure every design is as lean as it is high-performing.

A 2024 study found that nearly half of businesses now see office design as key to attracting and keeping the best people. Many are choosing to refurbish what they have, not move entirely. For London businesses, getting this right can make a real difference

Creating a Clear and Fair Hybrid Office Policy

A good hybrid working policy brings clarity and sets the right expectations for everyone. It should be flexible and adapt as your business changes. Here’s what it should include:

● Who and When
Outline which roles or teams can work in a hybrid way and what’s expected in terms of office days or anchor days.

● Availability and Hours
Set out core hours and how people should stay in touch, no matter where they’re working from.

● Communication Guidelines
Explain the best ways to stay connected, whether that’s messaging for quick chats, email for more formal updates or video calls for team catch-ups. Make sure these ways of working include everyone, including those dialling in remotely.

● Tools and Support
List what equipment employees need for home working and who’s responsible for providing it. Include any IT support arrangements.

● Data and Security
Make sure everyone knows how to keep data safe, whether they’re at home or in the office. This includes Wi-Fi security and document handling. UK GDPR rules are key here.

● Health and Safety
Look at how people work at home as well as in the office. Provide guidance on how to set up safe and comfortable workstations, following FSB guidance on risk assessments.

● Measuring Outcomes
Make it clear that performance is judged on the work done and the results, not just presence.

● Expenses and Commuting
Clarify what’s covered, like costs for home working or travel to the office

● Trial Runs and Check-Ins
If you’re introducing hybrid work for the first time, start with a trial and plan to review the policy regularly.

● Fair for Everyone
A strong policy makes sure hybrid working doesn’t create new barriers. It should support equal access to training, development and career growth for everyone.

Make sure this policy is easy for everyone to find and understand. In some cases, legal advice can help make sure you’re covered, especially around flexible working rules and any changes to employment contracts.

Measurement & Iteration

Rolling out your hybrid model is only the beginning. The real value comes from listening, adjusting, and improving over time.

● Track What Matters
Monitor key indicators like productivity, office attendance, employee sentiment and space utilisation. Look at cost efficiencies too, are you getting better value from your footprint?

● Run Post-Launch Surveys
Gather employee feedback at key milestones (typically 3 and 6 months). Keep the focus on what’s working, what’s not, and where tweaks are needed.

● Refine Your Policy
Use what you’ve learned to update your hybrid policy. Make it a living document, not a one-off announcement.

● Review Your Space and Tech
Needs change. Revisit your layout, equipment and digital tools regularly. A great hybrid office is designed to flex.

● Nurture Your Culture
Create moments of connection, in and out of the office. Use rituals, events, and touchpoints to build a culture that’s hybrid by design, not just default.

● Share Progress Internally
Share what’s being learned, what’s improving, and what’s still being worked on. Clear updates help build trust and momentum.

Your Partner in Building Smarter Hybrid Workspaces

A successful hybrid office brings people, space and technology into alignment. That doesn’t come from guesswork or generic solutions; it takes clarity, planning, and the right partners.

At Soul Spaces, we help London businesses take a thoughtful approach to hybrid work. Whether you’re reconfiguring your current office, searching for a new space, or navigating lease negotiations, we bring strategic insight and hands-on delivery to the table.

You know how your business works best. We help you create a workspace that supports it and sets you up for what’s next.

If you’re thinking about how to make hybrid work for your team, we’d be happy to chat.