Remote work remains prevalent in the UK, five years post-pandemic, with 41% of workers still choosing to work from home at least part-time.
- A significant portion of the workforce, particularly educated professionals and parents, continue to embrace hybrid working arrangements.
- ONS data highlights a demographic split, with older, highly educated individuals and parents more likely to work from home.
- While remote work offers personal benefits, companies consider returning to pre-pandemic work setups by 2027.
- The future of remote work is uncertain, as businesses weigh flexibility against the need for in-person collaboration.
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 41% of UK workers continue to work from home at least part-time. Of this group, 28% engage in hybrid work, while 13% work entirely from home. In contrast, 44% of employees still commute daily, driven largely by roles necessitating physical presence such as in retail, healthcare, and construction.
The trend towards hybrid working is particularly pronounced among specific demographics. Notably, 29% of workers aged over 30 are inclined towards a hybrid work model, compared to only 19% of those aged 16-29. Similarly, working parents are more inclined to work part-time from home, with fathers showing a greater tendency towards hybrid arrangements than mothers. The data further reveals that workers possessing a degree are significantly more likely to adopt a hybrid model than those without qualifications—42% versus 4%, respectively.
Remote work is prevalent in sectors like IT and professional services, where roles are naturally more adaptable to such arrangements. Nearly half of senior managers and directors favour a hybrid work schedule. However, there is concern that remote working might hinder junior employees’ development due to limited in-person mentorship opportunities.
ONS surveys indicate several benefits associated with working from home, particularly the time saved on commuting. Workers save approximately 56 minutes per day, often reallocating this time towards additional rest or exercise. Despite these personal gains, a KPMG study suggests that many CEOs are planning to revert to full pre-pandemic working conditions by 2027. This reflects ongoing uncertainties about the long-term future of remote work as businesses strive to balance flexibility with the necessity for in-office collaboration.
The trend of hybrid working remains strong but faces an uncertain future as UK businesses deliberate over the appropriate balance between remote and office collaboration.
