More than five years after the start of the pandemic, remote working remains a central part of British working culture.
According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 41% of the UK workforce now works from home at least part of the week, with 28% following a hybrid model and 13% working from home full-time.
The split reflects a diverse work environment, as 44% of workers still commute daily, especially those in jobs that require a physical presence such as retail, healthcare and construction. The ONS noted that hybrid working is likely to persist, especially for specific demographic groups such as older, highly educated individuals and parents.
The data shows a demographic divide, with 29% of workers over 30 using a hybrid model, compared to just 19% of workers aged 16 to 29. Working parents are also more likely to work part-time from home (35%), with a greater percentage of fathers than mothers working in hybrid arrangements. Workers with a degree are ten times more likely to follow a hybrid model than workers without a degree, 42% versus 4% respectively.
The trend is particularly strong in industries such as IT and professional services, where remote-oriented roles are more common. Meanwhile, nearly half of senior managers and directors are on a hybrid schedule, although critics argue that remote work can limit learning opportunities for junior employees who lack in-person mentorship.
ONS research also shows that working from home has personal benefits. On days when employees work remotely, they save an average of 56 minutes on their commute, with many using this time for an extra 24 minutes in bed and an extra 15 minutes of exercise.
Despite these preferences, recent surveys show that business leaders may want to bring employees back to the office. A KPMG survey shows that most CEOs are aiming for a full return to pre-pandemic working arrangements by 2027. This suggests that the future of remote working in Britain could be uncertain as companies consider the long-term balance between flexibility and collaboration in the office.