Rainy commutes reshape office attendance decisions

Rain has long been a routine feature of working life in the UK, but new research suggests it may also be quietly shaping decisions about where — and how — people work.

A survey conducted by flexible workspace provider Orega found that 32% of office workers say rainy weather negatively affects their motivation or productivity. More than half of respondents — 57% — also said wet weather makes them reconsider commuting into the office.

The findings arrive at a time when hybrid working arrangements remain widespread. Around 34% of full-time employees now work in hybrid models, balancing remote work with time spent in physical offices. Within that framework, external factors such as commuting conditions appear to be playing a growing role in day-to-day decisions.

Despite the potential impact of poor weather, commuting patterns remain far from uniform. According to the survey, 43% of workers say rain does not stop them travelling into the office, suggesting many employees continue to weigh multiple factors when deciding where to work.

Lucas Botzen, HR expert at Rivermate, said weather conditions can influence both commuting behaviour and workplace engagement.

“For many people, dark, wet, or cold conditions can make the journey feel more stressful or exhausting, which can reduce their willingness to travel and affect their energy levels for the workday. Beyond commuting, rainy weather can also influence mood and focus more generally. It’s not always drastic, but over time, a series of gloomy, wet days can subtly lower motivation and engagement if employees feel less energized or cooped up indoors.”

Psychologists have long examined links between weather conditions and emotional wellbeing. Research has shown that people often report lower momentary happiness during wet weather compared with sunny conditions, while grey skies are frequently associated with cancelled plans or inconvenience.

Yet the relationship between weather and productivity is not always straightforward. Some workplace experts suggest that gloomy weather can occasionally improve concentration.

Carly Jenner, Global People & Culture Expert, said: “Wet and rainy weather does affect employee motivation, but not always in the way we assume. In fact, dreary weather can actually increase focus and productivity because there’s less temptation to be outside enjoying the sun/good weather. With fewer external distractions, people can often concentrate more deeply and employee productivity actually increases.

“Where bad weather really makes a difference is in people’s willingness to commute. For many employees, the extra effort, stress, and lost time that comes with commuting in bad weather can meaningfully reduce their willingness to go into a physical workplace, particularly for high-performing talent who are highly protective of their time and work–life balance. That’s where flexibility becomes an appealing alternative.”

The survey also points to workplace design as a factor that could offset reluctance to commute in poor conditions. Across the UK, 71% of workers said access to a comfortable, well-designed office would make travelling in the rain more appealing.

As hybrid work reshapes expectations, organisations are increasingly focused on the role of the office itself — not simply as a location for work, but as a space designed to justify the commute.

Mathew Moore, Marketing Director at Orega, said workplace experience can make a meaningful difference to how employees perceive office attendance.

“The UK’s weather isn’t changing any time soon, but how people work within it certainly is. Our data shows that employees aren’t necessarily avoiding the office, but that they are being more intentional about when and why they come in.

“When the workspace feels comfortable, well-designed and genuinely supports productivity, it becomes a worthwhile destination rather than an obligation. Our focus has always been on creating professional but inviting environments where businesses can concentrate on what matters most, whether that’s collaboration, focused work or simply having a reliable base in the heart of the city.”