Most professionals in the UK and Ireland prefer to continue working in a hybrid or remote work model, according to research from Morgan McKinley.

In the UK, 93% of respondents expressed a strong preference for continuing in a hybrid or remote work model while this figure stood at 92% for professionals in Ireland.

Professionals in the UK working in hybrid models expressed the highest contentment with their work patterns, with 51% willing to forego pay raises for desired flexibility. In Ireland this stood at 59%.

Despite employee preferences, 60% of UK and 42% of Irish companies are urging staff to increase their in-office presence, indicating a disconnect between employer and employee expectations. 

The survey found that in the UK, 1-2 days in the office is the favoured weekly working pattern for 52% of professionals, with a further 22% selecting 3-4 days. Only 3% are happy to be in the office for the full five working days.

In Ireland, 1-2 days in the office is the favoured weekly working pattern for 47% of professionals, with a further 25% selecting 3-4 days. Only 8% are happy to be in the office for the full five working days.