Consulting executives at major UK firms are pushing junior staff back to the office more frequently to develop human skills as AI automates technical work. Sayeh Ghanbari, UK head of consulting at EY, stated that remote work setups "is just not the route to success in the world of AI" and that reducing flexibility is necessary to build interpersonal competencies like empathy, storytelling, and leadership. EY maintains its "longstanding approach to flexibility" but acknowledges the leadership challenge of changing established remote routines.

This reflects a broader white-collar shift. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella mandated three office days weekly, calling in-person work "even more important" in the AI age. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon argues younger bankers need office presence for professional judgment. Consulting's apprenticeship model — where juniors observe seniors handling clients — suffered during the pandemic as firms prioritized AI and technical skills over human skills training.

Firms are diverging: Deloitte gives teams discretion, while EY and PwC operate hybrid policies. KPMG partner Lisa Fernihough said face-to-face learning speed is "much quicker." Boston Consulting Group's London office added chess, padel, and netball clubs to attract pandemic-era juniors. In 2023, Deloitte and PwC gave extra coaching to youngest UK recruits after noting weaker teamwork and communication skills post-lockdowns. Accenture's Matt Prebble said younger employees already recognize office benefits without mandates.