Just 3% of white collar workers want to return to the office five days a week, according to a poll by management consultancy Advanced Workplace Associates (AWA), which warned employees will quit if bosses force them back full-time. 

Eighty-six percent of employees want to work from home at least two days a week, the consultancy said after surveying nearly 10,000 people around the world across areas including finance, technology and energy. All age groups felt the same way, they added. Workers reported a preference for commuting into cities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, raising the prospect of empty offices for the rest of the week.

Many banks are geared up for flexible working after two years of Covid-19 lockdowns, with some allowing hybrid working for many staff. Some fintech companies are even allowing staff to work entirely remotely...