Increased homeworking likely in 1 in 7 businesses

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)