How widespread is hybrid working?
As restrictions ease and we learn to live with COVID-19 in 2023, more UK businesses are bringing their employees back to the workplace. There is mounting evidence to suggest that the peak in remote working in the UK has passed. In September 2022, according to LinkedIn, the percentage of jobs offering remote working had decreased for the sixth month in a row, to 12% in September 2022 compared with 16% in January 2022. As fully remote roles are declining, the hybrid working model, blending workplace and remote work, is currently the preferred pattern for both employers and employees.
What do 3CS clients think about hybrid working?
We wanted to find out more about our business clients’ experiences and thoughts on hybrid working and highlight some of the key considerations for employers navigating a return to the workplace.
We conducted an online survey in October 2022 by reaching out to our East Asian business clients based in the UK. Of those contacted, 132 businesses responded, providing information on their policies, experiences, and attitudes toward hybrid working. A copy of the research questionnaire can be found here.
How many businesses offer hybrid working?
It is clear from our survey that hybrid working is widespread among East Asian businesses operating in the UK, with some 80% of businesses offering their employees a form of hybrid working. While most employers seem to be operating this work style reasonably successfully, it does not appear to suit all, and several businesses have faced and are facing operational challenges.
Only 1 in 5 did not offer hybrid work, principally because they either felt that it was not compatible with the nature of their business or they had other concerns, such as worries about productivity.
On average, how many days per week are employees required in the workplace?
When asked how many days per week businesses expected hybrid workers to work from the usual workplace, more than half responded stating that either two or three days were required. Only 4% would expect workers on site for four or more days, 12% required just one day or none at all.
Are businesses considering revisions to hybrid work policies?
More than half (57%) of organisations surveyed said that they were either undecided or were considering making changes to their hybrid work policies. Of those who said they were considering making changes, nearly all said that they were planning to increase the number of compulsory days in the workplace, with some planning a full-time return.
What’s in the 3CS report?
A summary of the report’s contents is as follows:
SURVEY FINDINGS
- How many businesses offer hybrid working?
- What is the average number of days that employees are required in the workplace?
- How much freedom do employees have to choose their remote days?
- Which days do employees have to attend the workplace?
- Which remote working locations are permitted?
- What technical and business difficulties have organisations encountered?
- Has staff productivity improved?
- Are businesses changing their hybrid work policies?
… and much more
HYBRID WORKING AND EMPLOYMENT LAW ISSUES
- How are contracts of employment affected?
- Flexible working requests and arrangements
- Avoiding unlawful dismissals and discrimination
Appendix – Miscellaneous Reports and Surveys
- Current UK remote and hybrid working trends
- Impacts of remote working on employees and employers
- “The UK work-from-home boom has passed its peak”
What are the key issues for employers to look out for?
Employers who are planning to bring more employees back to the workplace will have to navigate this transition with care if they are to manage it successfully and compliantly. Employers need to be mindful of the legal position regarding employment contracts (both existing and new), flexible working requests, and potential discrimination, stress at work and health-related claims.
How 3CS can help
You can order your copy of our full report - “Hybrid Work - Is it working for East Asian businesses in the UK?” here. If you need help with the legalities of hybrid working or any employment law issue, please get in touch with your usual 3CS contact.
