10 Other Ways to Say “Are You Coming to the Office?”

In today’s hybrid work culture, asking if someone will be in the office is common. Yet, the way we ask this question can really affect how it’s received.

We’ve compiled a list of 10 alternative phrases to “Are you coming to the office?” that fit better in various professional settings. Each phrase is explored with examples to show how they can be used in emails, enhancing communication in the workplace.

Does the Phrase “Are You Coming to the Office?” Sound Too Blunt or Authoritative?

The question “Are you coming to the office?” may vary in tone depending on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener. It is professional, generally formal, and can be perceived as polite given the right circumstances. However, in some settings, it could come off as slightly blunt or authoritative due to its directness.

We recommend using this phrase with colleagues you have a congenial relationship with and in situations where there is an established rapport. It’s most suited for verbal communication or informal written communication, like instant messages within teams who are accustomed to casual exchanges. When using this phrase in an email, the tone of the email should match the casualness yet maintain a professional edge.

Here is a short example:

Hi Alex,

Just wanted to check in and see, are you coming to the office tomorrow? 

Look forward to your response.

Best,
Olivia

Pros:

• Direct and to the point, leaving little room for misunderstanding.
• Conveys a straightforward question without implying urgency.
• Useful for informal and rapid communication.

Cons:

• May seem too casual or blunt in certain professional contexts.
• Could be perceived as authoritative depending on the recipient’s perspective.
• Lacks the warmth or politeness additional words or phrases could offer.

Someone might seek out synonyms or alternatives to this phrase to soften the tone or adjust the level of formality.

10 Other Ways to Say “Are You Coming to the Office?”

Here are ten common alternatives you can use in a professional setting that convey the same meaning without being overly formal:

1. Will you be in the office today?

Compared to “Are you coming to the office?”, this phrase is gentler and carries a polite tone, making it a suitable synonym for the original. It’s slightly more informal and presents a softer approach to inquiring about someone’s plans without sounding too authoritative.

This alternative is better when you want to convey a friendly, yet professional message. It works well in emails and instant messages to colleagues you’re familiar with. The tone suggests flexibility and respect for the recipient’s schedule.

Email sample:

Hi Mark,

Quick question - will you be in the office today?

Cheers,
Emily

2. Do you plan on coming to the office?

This alternative offers a polite and slightly more detailed inquiry about someone’s intentions. It’s a good synonym for the original phrase but adds a layer of formality, making the question seem less direct and more considerate of the respondent’s plans.

It’s particularly effective in email communications where you need a bit of formality but still want to keep the conversation light. This phrase is suited for situations where the person’s presence in the office might affect meeting plans or workload distribution.

Email example:

Dear Lisa,

I'm scheduling tomorrow's meetings and wanted to ask - do you plan on coming to the office?

Best regards,
Tom

3. Are you planning to work from the office?

This version is a more formal synonym that shifts focus slightly towards the work aspect rather than merely being present in the office. It’s professional and maintains a polite tone, ideal for workplace communications.

This alternative fits best in emails where the work context is more relevant than the physical presence. It’s excellent for managers or team leaders querying about staff presence to plan tasks or projects, especially when sent to team members via email.

Example:

Hi Alex,

For planning purposes, are you planning to work from the office tomorrow?

Thanks,
Jordan

4. Will we see you at the office?

This phrase is more informal and implies a friendly tone, making it a less direct but highly polite alternative. It’s a gentle way of asking someone’s plans without seeming too authoritative.

Suitable for internal team emails or messages where the environment is casual and friendly. This question is great for situations that require a touch of personality in the message, such as when a team is closely knit and enjoys a good rapport.

Here’s an example:

Hey Sarah,

Just wondering, will we see you at the office today?

Best,
Oliver

5. Are you heading to the office today?

This alternative brings in a more informal and conversational style. It’s a synonym that indicates a casual inquiry about someone’s plans, maintaining a polite but laid-back tone.

It is particularly fitting for less formal communication channels like text or chat messages among team members. This phrase works well when the sender and recipient have a friendly relationship and prefer a relaxed communication style.

Example:

Hi Jamie,

Quick check - are you heading to the office today?

Cheers,
Miguel

6. Do we expect you in the office today?

This question leans towards a more formal structure while still being polite. It suggests that the person’s presence is anticipated, possibly due to scheduled meetings or collaborative work.

This phrasing is suitable in professional emails where there’s an expectation of attendance for coordination purposes. It fits well when communicating with colleagues or team members whose presence is crucial for the day’s operations.

Email sample:

Hello Nathan,

As we have a full agenda today, do we expect you in the office?

Regards,
Andrea

7. Planning to be at the office?

This form has an informal touch, making it a friendly and polite synonym for the original inquiry. It presents a casual yet direct way to ask about someone’s plans.

Best used in informal emails or messages, especially within teams that maintain a relaxed communication style. This question suits casual inquiries among peers or when a manager wants to keep the tone light and approachable.

Here’s an example:

Hey Chris,

Just checking in - planning to be at the office today?

Thanks,
Lena

8. Shall we expect you at the office?

This alternative is more formal and gives off a polite vibe, ideal for professional settings. It implies that the person’s presence is somewhat anticipated and would be welcome.

This phrasing is especially fitting for use in emails directed at individuals whose attendance might impact the day’s meetings or activities. It’s considerate and offers the recipient a sense of importance regarding their presence in the office.

Email example:

Dear Kevin,

With several discussions planned, shall we expect you at the office?

Warm regards,
Sophie

9. Will you make it to the office?

This phrase is slightly more informal and implies concern or curiosity about the person’s ability to attend. Although polite, it carries a casual undertone and is a direct but friendly alternative.

It’s suitable for messages or emails to colleagues with whom you share a cordial relationship. This version is best for situations where someone’s attendance is uncertain due to external factors, such as weather conditions or transport issues.

Example:

Hi Ethan,

Hope everything's okay. Will you make it to the office today?

Take care,
Vanessa

10. Are you going to be in the office?

This alternative is straightforward, blending informal ease with a polite inquiry, making it a versatile and professional synonym. It’s broader and allows for a range of contextual uses.

This question fits well in both emails and verbal communication, suitable for checking in with team members or colleagues casually. It’s particularly helpful in dynamic work environments where daily attendance might vary.

Email sample:

Hi Zoe,

Hope you’re well. Are you going to be in the office today?

Regards,
Dylan

Final Thoughts

Finding the right words to ask about someone’s presence in the office can make workplace communication smoother and more pleasant. The alternatives provided offer various tones, from casual to formal, to better match specific situations and relationships. By selecting the most suitable phrase, you can maintain a professional, polite, and comfortable atmosphere.