As companies prepare for a broader return to office in 2026, balancing executive goals with employee safety and wellbeing is critical. Solutions like Totalmobile’s Lone Worker Protection can bridge that gap—ensuring a safer, more confident transition for all.
While there is no official, mandatory UK-wide government “return to office” date or initiative for 2026 that applies to all employees. The UK government has generally left return-to-office (RTO) policies up to individual employers and companies.
In fact, 63% of CEOs predict a full return to in-office working by the end of 2026, according to KPMG’s Global CEO Outlook, which surveyed 1,300 global chief executives. Meanwhile, just 7% think that fully remote working will be the norm in the long term.
Workers are unlikely to react well to a full-time return to office
A recent Gallup study found that 90% of office workers don’t want to return to the old ways of working—and they’re willing to quit should employers even mention removing flexible working measures in the long term.
The role of Lone Worker Protection by Totalmobile in supporting back to office initiative.
Concerns around returning to the office—especially during the darker, colder months—are increasingly valid for employees worried about personal safety during commutes.
These concerns are heightened by incidents such as knife attacks on trains, reduced daylight hours, and general unease about public transport.
Here’s a breakdown of the key issues and how employers can respond:
Key Employee Concerns
- Safety During Commutes
- Increased risk of crime (e.g., knife attacks, theft) on public transport.
- Vulnerability during dark hours, especially early mornings and evenings.
- Reduced visibility and icy conditions leading to slips, trips, and falls.
- Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
- Anxiety about commuting in unsafe conditions.
- Stress from unpredictable transport disruptions or incidents.
- Fear of being alone during travel, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas.
Employers should review and update their Duty of Care obligations, especially in light of recent safety incidents on public transport. This includes:
- Risk assessments for commuting routes.
- Consultation with unions or employee groups.
- Transparent communication about safety measures and expectations.
Totalmobile’s Lone Worker Protection solutions offer a powerful way for organisations to support employee safety as they implement Return to Office (RTO) initiatives in 2026—especially during winter months when commuting risks are heightened.
Here’s how Totalmobile can help:
1. Addressing Commuting Safety Concerns
With increased incidents on public transport and darker commuting hours, Totalmobile’s technology provides peace of mind for employees traveling to and from the office:
- SOS Devices & Apps: Employees can carry discreet, BS8484:2022-certified SOS fobs or use the Lone Worker App on their smartphones. These tools allow instant emergency alerts (Red, Yellow, Worker Down) and direct connection to a 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
- Timed Check-ins: Workers can set safe check-in intervals. If they fail to respond, alerts are automatically triggered to ensure their well-being.
- Geofencing & Safe Beacons: These features help monitor movement in high-risk or remote areas, ideal for employees commuting through poorly lit or isolated zones.
2. Supporting Mental Health and Confidence
Returning to the office can cause anxiety for employees worried about safety. Totalmobile’s solutions help reduce stress by:
- Providing a Safety Net: Knowing they’re connected to emergency support at all times helps employees feel more secure.
- Voice Memo Alerts: Workers can leave contextual messages before entering risky environments, improving response accuracy if an incident occurs.
- Worker Down Detection: Automatically alerts support teams if a worker becomes incapacitated, ensuring rapid intervention.
3. Enhancing Employer Duty of Care
Employers implementing RTO policies must demonstrate a commitment to employee safety. Totalmobile helps by:
- Compliance with BS8484 Standards: Ensures legal and regulatory alignment for lone worker protection.
- Customisable Deployment: Solutions can be tailored to different roles, locations, and risk levels, ensuring high adoption and engagement.
- Real-Time Monitoring & Reporting: Alerts are logged and escalated efficiently, enabling proactive incident management and audit trails.
4. Proven Impact
Totalmobile has already partnered with major organisations like ISS to protect thousands of frontline workers across the UK, deploying over 7,000 devices and apps to support lone and isolated staff.
Lone Worker Protect
Our Impact
What CEOs Are Predicting
According to KPMG’s Global CEO Outlook, 63% of CEOs expect a full return to office by the end of 2026. In contrast, only 7% believe that fully remote work will remain the norm long-term. This signals a significant shift in workplace dynamics, but it’s not without resistance.
Employee Sentiment: Resistance to Full-Time Office Return
A Gallup study reveals that 90% of office workers are reluctant to return to pre-pandemic work models. Many are even willing to quit if flexible working options are removed. This highlights a growing disconnect between executive expectations and employee preferences.
”Totalmobile is unique in how it supports its field workers. How many companies would completely re write the way they operate just to adapt to one lone worker’s situation?
Yvonne LittleburyHealth and Safety Manager, The Hyde Group
Totalmobile truly understands our business—it feels as though they are part of our own team. They provide the best customer service and coverage across all UK mobile networks.
Their innovative ‘Buddy System’ gives lone workers peace of mind, allowing them to check in whenever they feel unsafe. The Alert Receiving Centre (ARC) can listen in—vocally or silently—during high risk situations, ensuring safety is always the priority.
