UK workforce split on working from home as hybrid model persists post-pandemic

By Investor Empires On Nov 12, 2024

More than five years into the pandemic, remote working remains a key part of the UK’s working culture.

According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 41% of the UK workforce now works from home for at least part of the week, with 28% following a hybrid model and 13% working from home full-time.

This split reflects a diverse work environment, with 44% of workers still commuting daily, especially those in jobs that require a physical presence, such as retail, healthcare, and construction. The Office for National Statistics has indicated that mixed working is likely to remain, especially for certain demographic groups such as older individuals, those with higher education and parents.

The data highlights a demographic gap: 29% of workers over the age of 30 are adopting a hybrid model, compared to only 19% of those aged 16 to 29. Fathers working from home are also more likely to work part-time (35%), with a higher proportion of fathers than mothers working in hybrid arrangements. Workers with a degree are ten times more likely to follow a hybrid model than those without qualifications, 42% versus 4%, respectively.

This trend is notably strong in sectors such as IT and professional services, where suitable remote roles are more common. Meanwhile, nearly half of senior managers are following a hybrid schedule, though critics argue that remote work may limit learning opportunities for entry-level employees who miss out on in-person mentoring.

ONS surveys also suggest that working from home brings personal benefits. On days when employees work remotely, they save an average of 56 minutes commuting, and many use that time for an extra 24 minutes in bed and 15 minutes of extra exercise.

Despite these preferences, recent surveys show that company leaders may be looking to bring employees back to their offices. A KPMG study has revealed that most CEOs are aiming for a full return to pre-pandemic working arrangements by 2027, suggesting that the future of remote working in the UK may be uncertain as companies consider the long-term balance between flexibility and in-office collaboration.

Jimmy Young

Jamie is an experienced business journalist and senior reporter at Business Matters, with over a decade of experience reporting on UK SME business. Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops to stay at the forefront of emerging trends. When Jamie is not reporting on the latest business developments, he is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs, sharing their wealth of knowledge to inspire the next generation of business leaders.