According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), over a quarter (27%) of UK employees adopted a hybrid work model this autumn. While the popularity of fully remote work has declined since the pandemic, hybrid work has firmly established itself as the “new normal” for many professionals.
According to the report, employees over 30 were much more likely to follow a hybrid schedule than younger employees, with 29% opting for this model versus 19% of those aged 16-29. Working parents also demonstrated a strong preference for flexibility, with 35% adopting hybrid arrangements compared to 24% of non-parents. Moreover, male working parents led this trend, with 41% working hybrid schedules compared to 30% of their female counterparts.
The working model was especially prevalent among senior professionals, with 45% of managers, directors, and senior officials opting for the arrangement, compared to 27% across all sectors. Employees in industries like retail and cleaning were far less likely to work hybrid schedules, with just 3% reporting such arrangements.
Regarding educational attainment, employees with a degree were 10 times more likely to work hybrid schedules than those without qualifications, with 42% versus 4%, respectively. The IT sector stood out, with nearly half (49%) of its workforce benefiting from hybrid options, the highest proportion among all industries.
For employees, hybrid work brings tangible benefits. Those working from home save an average of 56 minutes daily by avoiding commutes. This extra time allows for 24 more minutes of sleep and 15 additional minutes for exercise or wellbeing activities.
From the employer’s perspective, hybrid work is more than a perk; it’s a strategy for enhancing employee retention and satisfaction. A survey by Isio found that 70% of employees consider access to hybrid working a deciding factor in staying with their employer.