Commutes and Days In The Office Increase

In March 2023, the number of U.S. air travelers matched volumes from the same month in 2019. This is the first time since the pandemic that air travel volumes have equaled 2019 levels. Meanwhile, Kastle systems, the firm that runs the security systems for major office buildings in the top ten cities, reports security card swipe volumes are half of pre-pandemic levels.

In March 2023, the number of U.S. air travelers matched volumes from the same month in 2019. This is the first time since the pandemic that air travel volumes have equaled 2019 levels. Meanwhile, Kastle systems, the firm that runs the security systems for major office buildings in the top ten cities, reports security card swipe volumes are half of pre-pandemic levels.

This week's Audio Active Group blog from Westwood One offers these key findings:

81% of marketers and agencies now commute to the office, up from 63% a year ago but still less than average Americans (86%)

In April 2023 the number of marketers and agencies working in the office “most days” increased to 37%, up from 22% in April 2022. The proportion who only work from home dropped from 37% in April 2022 to 19% in April 2023.

Since October 2022, there have been modest shifts with fewer agencies and advertisers working at home only and more “most day” commuting.

86% of average Americans are commuting to work, 5% more than marketers and agencies

Among average Americans who commuted to work prior to the pandemic, the MARU/Matchbox study found 86% say they are currently working outside of the home. This is virtually the same proportion Maru/Blue found in October 2022 and that Nielsen reported in March 2022.

The “back to the office” gap between average Americans and brands/media agencies is closing. A year ago, there was a 23-point difference in the proportion of average Americans working outside the home and the advertising industry. Today, there is only a five-point difference.

The average number of marketer/agency office days grew from three to 3.7 over the last year

Versus a year ago, those in the advertising business who work four or more days at the office increased from 41% to 58%. Those clocking one to three days at the office dropped from 58% to 42%. Currently, marketers and media agencies report spending 3.7 days in the office, up from three days in April 2022.

Average Americans are clocking more days at the office (5.3) compared to the advertising industry (3.7)

Compared to ad industry workers, typical Americans are more likely to be exposed to outdoor ads and AM/FM radio commercials since they commute more days. Since some Americans work six or even seven days a week, their average days worked (5.3) slightly exceeds the standard five-day work week.