41% of UK Workforce Now Works from Home, Hybrid Model Grows, ONS Data Shows

Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that 41% of the British workforce now works from home at least part of the week, with 28% adopting a hybrid model and 13% working remotely full-time.

The shift to remote and hybrid work reflects a changing work landscape, with 44% of workers still commuting daily. Jobs that require physical presence, such as those in retail, healthcare, and construction, have kept many workers on-site. However, the ONS predicts that hybrid working is likely to remain common, especially for older workers, highly educated individuals, and parents.

The data also highlights a significant demographic divide in remote work patterns. Among workers aged 30 and above, 29% follow a hybrid model, while only 19% of younger workers aged 16-29 do the same. Parents are more likely to work from home part-time, with 35% of working parents adopting a hybrid schedule. Interestingly, more fathers (37%) than mothers (33%) take advantage of hybrid working arrangements.

Education also plays a key role in the adoption of hybrid working. The ONS found that workers with a degree are ten times more likely to work in a hybrid model than those without qualifications, with 42% of degree-holders working part-time from home compared to just 4% of non-degree holders.

The trend towards hybrid work is especially pronounced in sectors like IT and professional services, where remote-friendly roles are more prevalent. In fact, nearly half of senior managers and directors now follow a hybrid work schedule. However, critics argue that the shift to remote work may limit opportunities for younger staff to receive mentorship and guidance from more experienced colleagues, which is often more accessible in office settings.

The personal benefits of working from home are also evident in the data. On average, remote workers save 56 minutes on commuting each day. Many employees use this extra time for additional rest, with 24 minutes more spent in bed and 15 minutes of extra exercise, according to ONS surveys.

Despite these advantages, company leaders are reconsidering the future of remote work. A recent study by KPMG found that most CEOs plan to return to pre-pandemic office arrangements by 2027, suggesting that the long-term balance between flexibility and in-office collaboration remains uncertain for many businesses in the UK.