Increased home working likely in 1 in 7 businesses
As lockdown begins to ease we take a quick look at the likelihood of continued homeworking
- As restrictions start to ease across areas of the UK, just 1 in every 7 businesses proposes using increased home working as a permanent business model, a further 19% of businesses 'unsure'.
- During lockdown 3, 28% of businesses had more staff working from home as a result of the pandemic, figures much higher in traditional office sectors such as professional and IT.
- Reduced overheads, cited by 65% of small businesses, and improved staff wellbeing (cited by 80% of firms with 100-250 employees) are the main benefits associated with increased homeworking.
- The last year has seen the daily commute disappear for many. The degree to which employees return to the 'office' has a significant impact on the real estate industry, high streets and transportation networks.
- Source: Dataloft, ONS (2021)