Skip to content
Tuesday 18 August 2026London --:--Frankfurt --:--Zurich --:--
NewslettersSearchEN · DE · FR
MorningWire

European business, markets and politics

FTSE 100
10,728.04
+0.07%
DAX
26,128.36
-0.80%
CAC 40
8,509.36
-0.82%
STOXX 50
6,468.17
-0.95%
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Regulation
  • Politics
  • Opinion
More
GermanyFranceEU InstitutionsCompetitionPublic AffairsBankingTechnologyEnergy
  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Regulation
  • Politics
  • Opinion
  • DE
Tuesday 18 August 2026 10:47 am

The Summer Slowdown can become a thing of the past

By: Morning Wire reporter

Add as a preferred source on Google
Four colleagues on a sunny rooftop terrace, enjoying drinks and conversation with city buildings in the background.

Every year through July and August, the same trend resurfaces across corporate Britain: the pace slows, offices empty and productivity dips. 

This summer, that has been more pronounced than ever. Britain is about to weather a record-breaking fifth heatwave of the year. Some of London’s biggest firms have slackened their in-the-office mandates and given staff the okay to dodge poorly ventilated workplaces and stifling commutes. Meteorologists are warning that Mediterranean temperatures could become the norm through British summertime.

But the summer slowdown doesn’t have to be inevitable. What if empty offices are just a sign the workplace isn’t giving people a compelling reason to be there?

Making more of the office

The concept of the office has evolved since the pandemic. Rarely do employers require staff to be in five days a week and workers have become more adept at working-from-anywhere. In the heat, when home offices, gardens and local cafés become even more tempting, businesses need to create a workplace that makes the commute worthwhile. 

That means giving employees a reason to come in and providing value in the experience. 

“During the summer especially, people have more choice about where they work,” says Carla Castagnetti, Central Sales and Marketing Manager at Halkin.

“The businesses that continue to bring their teams together are those investing in workplaces that are welcoming, well-designed and backed by exceptional customer service. When the office offers a better experience, coming in becomes an easy decision.”

Read more

London house prices fall again as property slowdown drags on

Two people looking at real estate listings in an estate agents window, showcasing properties for sale.

Professionals working on laptops in a modern co-working lounge with plants and red seating.

Bright, welcoming workspaces, comfortable breakout areas, quality meeting rooms and hospitality-led service create an environment people genuinely enjoy spending time in. 

everything is taken care of means businesses can focus on what they do best. Clients are left with a lasting first impression, and, crucially, staff have a reason to be there.

Halkin Offices believe the best workplaces are those that people genuinely want to be part of. 

Their prestigious London locations combine beautifully designed workspaces with hospitality-led service, create offices that employees are proud to work from and clients are impressed to visit. Halkin Offices believe the best workplaces are those that people genuinely want to be part of.

This summer, don’t settle for an office your team has to come to. Choose one they’ll want to.

Book a tour of a Halkin workspace and discover the difference exceptional service and thoughtful design can make 


Read more

All England Club slap down wealthy Indian Jindal over Wimbledon empty seat post

Business professionals discussing strategy in a modern office setting with charts and laptops on a conference table.

Share this article

  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Similarly tagged content:

Sections

  • Partner Content
  • Halkin

Categories

  • Partner

People & Organisations

  • Corporate Britain
  • London’s biggest firms
  • Meteorologists
  • the sunday times

Trending Articles

  • As it happened: FTSE 100 drops as oil prices rise after Trump makes Hormuz threat

  • US bond market jitters spark UK economy recession warning

  • Monzo chair makes early exit after boardroom rift

  • Aldi boss wades into supermarket ‘price-gouging’ row

  • New Premier League rules could see £11bn invested into new stadiums

More from Morning Wire

  • London house prices fall again as property slowdown drags on

    Property
    Two people looking at real estate listings in an estate agents window, showcasing properties for sale.
  • All England Club slap down wealthy Indian Jindal over Wimbledon empty seat post

    Sport Business
    Business professionals discussing strategy in a modern office setting with charts and laptops on a conference table.
  • FTSE 100 property giants urge Burnham to unleash London office construction

    Property
    Skyline of Canada with iconic financial district buildings, highlighting UK investments and economic growth.
  • Not enough bums in Brum: Why so many empty seats at European Athletics Championships?

    Sport Business
    Runners from Great Britain, France, Netherlands, Germany, and Italy competing in a track event.
  • AI Minister: Visa reform key to keeping tech giants in Britain

    AI
    Kanishka Narayan, prominent figure in the news, engaging in a public event or discussion, showcasing leadership and influe...
  • Square Mile Irish pub to be converted into youth hostel

    Business
    Business professionals engaged in a lively discussion at a conference, showcasing networking and collaboration in a modern...
  • Vance says ‘broken’ Britain must rebuild economy, not just change PM

    Politics
    Andy Burnham returns to Parliament
  • Soaring energy bills set to fuel inflation spike

    Economics
    Smartphone displaying an energy bill notification with British coins and a banknote nearby.
MorningWire

Independent European business, markets and political news for decision-makers.

Morning Briefing

Europe

  • Germany
  • France
  • EU Institutions
  • Europe

Business

  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Regulation
  • Competition
  • Public Affairs

Editorial

  • Opinion
  • Editorial Policy
  • Corrections
  • Contact

Company

  • About Morning Wire
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
© 2026 Morning Wire Ltd · Published by Morning Wire Media, Bahnhofstrasse 65, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Privacy · Terms · Cookies · Facebook