UK workers split into working from home as hybrid model continues after pandemic
More than five years after the pandemic began, remote working is still a central part of UK work culture.
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 41% of British workers now work from home at least part of the week, while 28% follow a hybrid model and 13% work from home full time.
The divide reflects a diverse workplace, as 44% of workers still commute daily, especially those in jobs that require physical presence, such as retail, health care, and construction. The ONS noted that mixed performance is likely to remain, particularly for certain populations such as the elderly, educated and parents.
The data highlights the demographic divide: 29% of workers over 30 use a hybrid model, compared to 19% of those aged 16-29. Working parents are also more likely to work from home part time (35%), with a higher proportion of fathers than mothers in mixed settings. Graduate workers are ten times more likely to follow a hybrid model than those without a degree, at 42% versus 4%, respectively.
This trend is particularly strong in sectors such as IT and professional services, where telecommuting roles are more common. Meanwhile, about half of senior managers and directors follow a hybrid program, although critics argue that remote work may limit learning opportunities for younger workers who miss out on in-person training.
The ONS survey also shows that working from home brings personal benefits. On days when employees work remotely, they save an average of 56 minutes commuting, with many using this time for an extra 24 minutes in bed and 15 minutes for extra exercise.
Despite this preference, recent surveys show that corporate leaders may be looking to bring workers back to the office. KPMG research has revealed that the majority of CEOs intend to fully return to pre-pandemic working arrangements by 2027, suggesting that the future of remote work in the UK may be uncertain as businesses consider the long-term balance between flexibility and collaboration in the office.
