Office occupancies are picking up in Chicago, but the comeback is slow

Robert Nevera is the general manager at Petterino’s restaurant, 150 N. Dearborn St., where business is gradually picking up despite few people venturing into the Daley Center across the street. (Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times)

Ever so slowly, the chair at the office workstation is winning out over the couch at home.

Office staffs in Chicago and other major cities are returning to their physical job sites, even if the trend is so sporadic that it frustrates building managers and businesses eager for more downtown action.