Less than 30% of firms expect their workforce to fully return to the workplace
over the next five years, according to research by the British Chambers of
Commerce (BCC).
The survey of over 1,000 businesses found just 27% of respondents predict their
employees will be fully physically present in the workplace over the next five
years. In addition, 47% anticipate their staff will be mostly in-person, 16%
expect mostly remote and 8% fully remote.
The research found a clear divide between different sectors. Only 17% of B2B
services organisations expect fully in-person working, while the figure for
manufacturers is 38% and B2C services 37%.
Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said:
'Our data shows that hybrid working is now part of the fabric of the modern
workplace. This flexibility is valued by employers and their teams. Less
than 30% of firms expect staff to be working fully in-person over the next
five years.
'Flexible working makes good business sense. In a tight labour market where
employers are competing for skilled workers, hybrid working and flexible
working more generally have become important parts of staff benefit
packages.'
Internet link: BCC website