The Latest Remote Working Statistics

Remote working has fundamentally changed the landscape of employment in the UK, evolving from a niche arrangement to a mainstream expectation for millions. Spurred initially by rapid advancements in technology and then accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, hybrid / remote working arrangements now play a pivotal role in how workers approach their jobs.

Nevertheless, with the Covid-19 pandemic now over, questions remain about how entrenched these flexible and remote working arrangements have become. A new report from Standout CV has sought to answer this question by looking at the latest remote working statistics

Remote Working Report

The main findings of the new report on remote working are:-

• Remote and hybrid working remains widespread in the UK, with nearly half of the workforce (44%) spending at least some time working from home, reflecting a major shift since pre-pandemic times.
• The number of people working exclusively from home has declined by 12% in the past year, while more employers are now asking staff to return to offices full-time or implement mandatory in-office days.
• Hybrid work arrangements have gained traction, offering flexibility that is highly valued by employees; 78% of hybrid workers indicate they do not wish to revert to fully remote roles.
• Younger professionals aged 25–34 are the demographic most likely to work remotely, with location, education level, and profession also playing significant roles in access to remote work opportunities.
• Jobs in sectors like IT (82%) and professional services (76%) are far more likely to be carried out remotely, while workers in hospitality (15%), transport (18%), and healthcare (22%) have limited or no remote options.
• Income strongly influences the likelihood of remote work; higher earners are 45% more likely to have flexible arrangements compared to those on lower wages.
• Contractors and freelancers enjoy greater flexibility for remote work compared to permanent employees, who face more traditional workplace expectations.
• Many essential roles such as delivery drivers and care staff cannot be performed remotely, leaving certain groups without access to flexible working arrangements regardless of employer policy.
• A majority of UK employers (63%) now offer some form of remote working where feasible, yet a substantial proportion still require or prefer staff presence in the office for at least part of the week.
• Business leaders remain divided on the future of office work; while many anticipate a return to traditional office settings over time, others continue investing in long-term flexible models.
• Surveys show strong demand among UK employees for ongoing remote or hybrid options, with 58% willing to change jobs or relocate based on available flexibility.
• Remote work brings notable benefits: reduced commuting saves both time and money for workers (average savings of £200 per month), while businesses see operational cost savings through lower overheads and absenteeism rates.
• Productivity perceptions have improved among both employees and managers; 67% report increased output and better concentration when working away from the office environment.
• Wellbeing is frequently cited as a benefit of remote work – many employees feel happier (65%) and more satisfied with their jobs due to greater autonomy and more time for personal activities.
• Environmental impacts include significant reductions in emissions (20%) and energy use during periods of widespread remote work, highlighting sustainability benefits alongside personal advantages.
• Despite its positives, remote working presents challenges: feelings of isolation affect 30%, reduced connection with colleagues impacts 25%, and musculoskeletal issues from inadequate home setups affect 18%.
• Work-life boundaries can become blurred when working remotely; some find it difficult to disconnect after hours or feel pressured to demonstrate higher productivity from home.
• Many home workers lack access to suitable equipment or dedicated workspace, which can hinder efficiency and comfort during their working day – 25% report inadequate setups.
• Online job listings featuring remote roles have grown substantially but still represent only 15% of total vacancies; employers increasingly use flexible policies as a recruitment tool.
• There is little indication that remote work will disappear soon – most large UK companies plan to retain hybrid models and expect flexible arrangements to remain standard practice moving forward.

The Future of Remote & Hybrid Working: A New Norm

The landscape of hybrid and remote working in the UK continues to evolve, solidifying its place as a permanent fixture in the employment ecosystem. While not without its challenges, the benefits of hybrid and remote working models are clear: increased flexibility, cost savings, and enhanced employee wellbeing. As businesses navigate this new norm, balancing remote opportunities with traditional office expectations will be key. The sustained demand for flexible work arrangements indicates that employees value autonomy and work-life balance more than ever. Moving forward, companies that adapt to these preferences are likely to attract and retain top talent, ensuring a competitive edge in a rapidly changing job market.