As the UK reflects on five years since the 2020 lockdown, hybrid and flexible working remain key topics. Analyses of data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and data platform Statista provide insights into the current state of flexible working across the nation.
In June 2020, as the Covid pandemic raged, 38% of UK workers operated exclusively from home. By January 2025, this figure declined to 16%, indicating a significant return to on-site work. Hybrid working models have also decreased, from 31% in November 2023 to 25% in January 2025. Despite the reductions, the number of employees eligible for flexible working hours has increased from 3.2 million in 2013 to approximately 4.2 million by 2024.
The adoption of flexible working arrangements varies notably across the UK. The South East and London lead with 35% and 30% of workers, respectively, engaging in some form of remote work, the data show. Northern regions, such as the North East and Northern Ireland, report lower figures, with only 19% and 20% of workers, respectively, working remotely at least part of the time. Factors contributing to the north-south divide may include the concentration of specific industries in the south and varying living costs.
Evolving Employment Laws Supporting Flexible Work
In response to the changing work landscape, the UK government has implemented reforms to support flexible working. As of April 2024, employees have the right to request flexible working from their first day of employment. Employers are required to respond to such requests within two months and provide valid reasons for any refusal. The changes aim to create a more adaptable workforce and accommodate diverse employee needs.
Employee wellbeing has become an important consideration in the workplace. A recent survey indicates that 30% of employees reported a decline in their wellbeing over the past year, with sectors such as transport, logistics, IT, sales and retail experiencing the most significant challenges.
Factors contributing to the decline in staff wellbeing include long working hours, heavy workloads and insufficient flexible work options. Notably, 59% of employees without access to flexible work arrangements plan to leave their current roles within the next 12 months, underscoring the importance of flexibility in employee retention.
Technological Advancements Shaping Remote Work
Technological progress continues to influence remote work dynamics. Artificial intelligence is anticipated to enhance human potential by enabling remote workers to focus on priority tasks while automating routine activities. It’s expected to create a more connected, efficient and productive work environment for remote teams.
Five years after the initial lockdown, there’s a noticeable shift back to on-site work, but hybrid models remain prevalent, with regional and demographic disparities persisting. Experts say employers should encourage flexible approaches to meet the diverse needs of their workforce, thereby enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction.
