Hybrid working the ‘new normal’ for 28% of GB workforce, says ONS

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"ONS Reports 28% of Great Britain Workforce Engaged in Hybrid Working"

Hybrid working the ‘new normal’ for 28% of GB workforce, says ONS analysis cover image The Guardian 8.1
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/11/over-a-quarter-of-workers-in-britain-engage-in-hybrid-working-ons-finds
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TruthLens AI Summary

Hybrid working has emerged as the 'new normal' for 28% of the workforce in Great Britain, according to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This model, where employees divide their time between the office and remote locations such as home, has been steadily gaining traction since March 2022. The ONS survey, which included responses from approximately 5,500 workers, indicates a notable decline in the number of individuals working solely from an office environment over the same period. The shift towards hybrid work patterns is particularly pronounced among workers aged between 30 and 49, highlighting a demographic trend in the adoption of flexible work arrangements. Furthermore, the data reveals that hybrid working is significantly more prevalent among individuals with higher educational qualifications, with those holding a degree being ten times more likely to engage in hybrid work compared to those without formal qualifications.

Despite the increasing popularity of hybrid work, there remain significant disparities in access to these arrangements. The ONS findings indicate that hybrid working is more accessible to higher-income earners, with 45% of workers earning £50,000 or more participating in hybrid work, contrasted with only 8% of those earning less than £20,000. Occupations such as directors, managers, and professionals, as well as individuals with childcare responsibilities, are also more likely to benefit from hybrid working. In contrast, workers in sectors such as retail, construction, or hospitality find it challenging to work remotely. Additionally, geographic and socioeconomic factors play a role, as individuals living in less deprived areas are more likely to have access to hybrid work compared to those in deprived regions. Concerns have been raised about the inclusivity of hybrid work, particularly for disabled individuals and those from lower-income backgrounds, underscoring the need for government and employers to collaborate in expanding access to flexible work options for all segments of the workforce.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The report reveals significant insights into the evolving landscape of work in Great Britain, particularly the rise of hybrid working arrangements following the pandemic. The data presented by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that 28% of the workforce has adopted a hybrid model, which highlights a major shift in employment practices. This analysis will explore the implications of these findings, the potential biases in the report, and the broader societal impacts.

Socioeconomic Divide in Hybrid Work

The survey underscores a disparity in access to hybrid work opportunities based on socioeconomic factors. Higher-skilled, higher-paid workers, particularly those in managerial and professional roles, are more likely to benefit from flexible working arrangements. In contrast, individuals in lower-skilled jobs, such as those in retail or hospitality, are largely excluded from these options. This division suggests that while hybrid working might be a "new normal" for some, it perpetuates existing inequalities in the labor market.

Demographic Trends

The ONS report notes that hybrid work is most prevalent among workers aged 30 to 49 and those with higher educational qualifications. This demographic trend indicates that younger, educated professionals are adapting more readily to new working patterns, while older or less educated workers may face challenges in transitioning. The data hint at a generational shift in work preferences, but also raise concerns about the sustainability of employment for those unable to adapt.

Potential Manipulation and Framing

While the report is based on statistical data, the way it presents the information could be interpreted as strategically framing hybrid work in a positive light. By emphasizing the benefits seen by a segment of the workforce, the report may downplay the struggles faced by those who cannot access these arrangements. This selective focus could lead to a misinterpretation of the overall work environment, suggesting an intentional or unintentional manipulation of the narrative.

Impact on Future Employment Trends

The rise of hybrid working could significantly influence future employment trends, shaping how companies structure their workforce and driving demand for technology that facilitates remote work. Businesses may increasingly prioritize flexibility in hiring practices, which could further entrench the divide between different socioeconomic groups, as those in lower-income positions may not see the same opportunities for hybrid work.

Community Reception

The report is likely to resonate more with urban, educated communities who are already experiencing the benefits of hybrid work. Conversely, it may alienate those in rural or less affluent areas who feel left behind in this transition. This bifurcation in reception can lead to increased tensions between different socioeconomic groups, as the narrative surrounding hybrid work becomes a point of contention.

Market and Economic Implications

This analysis could influence investor sentiment, particularly concerning sectors like technology that support remote work solutions. Companies that adapt to or provide for hybrid work environments may see their stock performance positively impacted. Conversely, industries reliant on traditional office settings or in-person interactions may face challenges as hybrid work becomes more normalized.

Global Context and Relevance

The findings align with global trends where organizations are re-evaluating work structures post-pandemic. As companies worldwide adopt hybrid models, this report serves as a bellwether for broader shifts in the global workforce dynamics, underscoring the need for policies that bridge the gap between different working populations.

The data and insights drawn from this report are credible, backed by statistical analysis from a reputable source. However, the framing may evoke a certain narrative that could overshadow the complexities of the employment landscape. The emphasis on the benefits for a select group may inadvertently contribute to a skewed perception of the overall situation.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/11/over-a-quarter-of-workers-in-britain-engage-in-hybrid-working-ons-finds

Hybrid working has become the “new normal” for more than a quarter of working adults in Great Britain, official figures show, but it remains out of reach for those in lower-skilled and lower-paid jobs.

The proportion of people carrying out hybrid work – where they split their time between the office and another location,such as home– has risen gradually since March 2022, becoming the shift pattern for 28% of workers by the first three months of this year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In a sign of therevolution in the world of work sparked by the pandemic, the proportion of people who only work from the office has also declined over the same period, the survey of about 5,500 workers found.

This “indicates a shift from full-time, office-based work to the hybrid-working pattern” according to the ONS, which found that workers aged between 30 and 49 were the most likely to hybrid work.

It also found that such shift patterns were 10 times more likely to be found among people with a degree or an equivalent level of education than for those with no qualifications.

Hybrid workingwas also more common in higher income bands. It was available to 45% of workers with an income of £50,000 or more, compared with 8% of those who earned less than £20,000.

Directors, managers and senior officials, as well as those in professional occupations were the most likely to hybrid work, along with those with childcare responsibilities.

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Workers in industries such as retail, construction or hospitality were the least like to be able to work remotely at least some of the time.

Those living in the least deprived areas of England were more likely to hybrid work than those in the most deprived areas, the ONS found. Workers living in deprived areas tend to have lower qualifications than those in less deprived areas, which limits their access to hybrid-working roles.

Disabled people were also found to be less likely to hybrid work than non-disabled staff, partly because they were more likely to be in lower income bands.

Hybrid and remote working “was heralded as bringing in a new dawn of flexible and inclusive work”, but remained out of reach for many, said Rebecca Florisson, the principal analyst of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, a thinktank for improving working lives in the UK.

“To meet its aim of raising the labour market participation rate to 80%, the government should work with employers to provide access to flexible and inclusive working for those who are currently missing out,” she said.

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Source: The Guardian