Digital marketing agency Sparro has already booked the pub next door to welcome staff back to its Sydney office next month, but larger employers expect mask mandates will keep the bulk of their staff at home until the new year.

Under reopening road maps for NSW and Victoria, offices can reopen to fully vaccinated people once the states pass the 80 per cent double dose milestone. After-work drinks will also be back on the agenda after very long lockdowns and much social isolation for many.