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arge employers in San Francisco are requiring their employees to return to the office, contributing to a slow recovery from the pandemic-driven exodus of tech companies. According to Placer.ai, which tracks visits, San Francisco saw a 1.6% year-over-year increase in office visits last month, outpacing only Miami's 1.7% gain. The uptick is attributed in part to Salesforce and other big tech employers mandating a return to the office.

    More AI companies and venture capital firms are leasing offices, while San Francisco's mild climate has also helped boost attendance. In contrast, Denver was hit by one of its snowiest Novembers on record, and New York faced transportation issues. Nationally, office visits declined 6.5% year-over-year, with Los Angeles seeing a 6.1% drop.

    San Francisco's November gains are modest but add to the city's rebound, which has seen office visits reach 57% of pre-pandemic levels, up from 47% in January. Office vacancy rates have also begun to level off after peaking at over 33%. If this trend continues, foot traffic could spread to shops and restaurants.

    Employers are enforcing back-to-office mandates, while pulling back on remote hiring. Remote job postings in San Francisco are down 16% year-over-year, according to JLL. Analysts predict that office visits could reach 70% of pre-pandemic levels next year if the current trend continues.