- U.S. office visits rose year-over-year across all major markets in March 2026, reaching the highest March levels since the pandemic.
- Foot traffic remains below pre-pandemic levels but continues to recover steadily, especially in West Coast cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
- Tightening workplace policies and evolving employee behavior are expected to further boost in-office attendance throughout 2026.
Return-to-office trends continued their upward trajectory in March 2026, with office foot traffic reaching its highest level for the month since the pandemic began, according to Commercial Property Executive. The gains reflect a combination of stricter workplace policies and a gradual cultural shift back toward in-person work.
A steady climb back:
Office visits in March were still 26.5% below 2019 levels, but that marks a notable improvement from the 34% gap recorded a year earlier. The recovery has been gradual but consistent, especially compared to the sharp 79.9% drop seen in 2021 at the height of remote work adoption.
On a more immediate basis, average visits per working day increased 4.2% compared to March 2025, reinforcing the ongoing upward trend.
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Momentum spreads nationwide:
Every major office market tracked saw year-over-year gains in March, highlighting a broad-based recovery rather than isolated improvements.
Miami and New York City continue to lead, with office visits just 9.1% and 9.7% below pre-pandemic levels, respectively—closer to full recovery than other major U.S. markets.
West Coast rebound gains steam:
The most notable acceleration is happening on the West Coast, long considered a laggard in return-to-office trends. Los Angeles posted the strongest annual growth at 16.6%, while San Francisco followed with a 15.4% increase, supported in part by an AI-driven employment boost.
San Francisco, once near the bottom of office attendance rankings, has steadily climbed in recent months, signaling improving fundamentals in one of the country’s most closely watched office markets.
Policy shifts drive behavior:
A key factor behind the continued recovery is stricter return-to-office mandates. Companies are increasingly tightening hybrid policies, with some requiring five-day in-office attendance. Additional mandates from major employers and government entities are expected to take effect later this year, likely pushing office usage even higher.
Why it matters:
While a full return to pre-pandemic office norms remains unlikely, the steady increase in foot traffic signals a new equilibrium forming. For landlords, investors, and developers, the trend offers cautious optimism that demand for office space is stabilizing after years of uncertainty.
What’s next:
If current patterns continue—especially with gains in historically slower markets—national office attendance could move closer to pre-2020 benchmarks. The trajectory points to a gradual recovery, shaped by workplace policies, economic conditions, and evolving employee preferences.
