Despite return to work mandates from employers for workers to return to working in the office, a new report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that during the first quarter of 2025, hybrid working arrangements remained on the rise. This trend is most notable among highly educated workers, higher earners, and residents of less deprived areas.
Hybrid Working
Data from the new ONS report indicates that 28% of working adults had hybrid working arrangements during the first quarter of 2025, reflecting an ongoing shift away from exclusive office-based roles despite return to work mandates being issued by some employers.
However, access to hybrid working arrangements remains uneven, with access often favouring those in certain occupations or income brackets.
Findings Of The Report
The main findings of the ONS report are:-
- Hybrid working has risen to 28% of working adults, and the shift towards hybrid work is becoming a standard expectation within the workforce.
- Despite return-to-office mandates, hybrid work continues to increase
- Workers with a degree are significantly more likely to have a hybrid working arrangement. Indeed, higher education levels correlate with increased access to roles suitable for hybrid work.
- Higher income earners are more likely to have hybrid working arrangements compared to lower-income workers
- Hybrid working arrangements are more prevalent in less deprived areas
- Full-time employees are more likely to have hybrid working arrangements compared with those who work part-time. Part-time workers have less access to hybrid work, mainly due to industry constraints.
- The self-employed are proportionately less likely to have hybrid working arrangements compared to employees
- Those aged 30 to 49 are the most likely to engage in hybrid work arrangements, whilst younger workers (16-29) are less likely to engage in hybrid work compared to older age groups.
- Disabled workers are less likely to engage in hybrid work compared to non-disabled colleagues.
- Managers, directors, and professionals are more inclined to opt for and to have access to hybrid working arrangements
- A significant proportion of workers would consider changing jobs if the ability to work from home and flexibly was curtailed
- Hybrid work has become a lasting trend since the COVID-19 pandemic, reshaping working norms
- Industries such as IT and professional services have higher levels of hybrid working, compared to other sectors such as retail and hospitality
Return To Work Mandates
As we highlighted in a recent article, there is considerable resistance amongst the workforce in relation to return to work mandates. Indeed, a report compiled by Kings College London found that:-
- Only 42% of workers would comply with a five-day return to office mandate (down from 54% in early 2022).
- Half would actively seek a new job offering remote options if forced back full-time by a return to office mandate.
- The proportion of workers willing to quit immediately in response to a return to office mandate doubled from 5% in early 2022 to nearly 10% by mid-2024.
The Kings College report also found that working-from-home rates have remained very stable since 2022.
The Future Of Hybrid Work
The continued growth of hybrid working arrangements underscores a significant transformation in workplace dynamics, reflecting broader societal changes and preferences that have been evolving since the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as some employers push for a full return to the office, the flexibility and autonomy associated with hybrid work appeals to a substantial proportion of the workforce. This shift is particularly pronounced among educated professionals and higher earners, suggesting that hybrid arrangements are becoming a new status symbol in the employment landscape.
The ONS report highlights the nuanced and unequal access to hybrid work, driven by factors such as income, education, and geographic location. As hybrid work becomes more entrenched, employers should confront these disparities to create more inclusive policies that accommodate diverse employee needs and circumstances. Employers should also be attuned to the growing sentiment against rigid return-to-office mandates, as evidenced by significant numbers of workers willing to change jobs for better remote options.
Ultimately, embracing the flexibility of hybrid work not only aligns with the changing expectations of the modern workforce but also enhances overall productivity and job satisfaction. As we move forwards, striking a balance that addresses both organisational objectives and individual preferences will be crucial in shaping the future of work.
