Just over a quarter of UK businesses (27%) predict their staff will be fully in-person over the next five years, according to a survey by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit and technology firm Cisco.

The survey of 1,000 businesses showed that 47% anticipate their staff to be mostly in-person, 16% expect mostly remote and 8% fully remote.

When it comes to hybrid working, there is a clear divide between different sectors, with business-to-business services firms (such as the finance and legal sectors) more likely to expect remote working. Only 17% of B2B services organisations expect fully in person working, while the figure for manufacturers is 38%, and B2C (business to consumer) services 37%. 

Companies were also asked about the connectivity tools they use such as video calling and cloud security. Over half (55%) are relying on external experts when making decisions about adopting technology while 65% of firms say connectivity tools are value for money. A quarter of firms (25%) say they are not confident they have the knowledge to make the right purchasing decisions, while three quarters (75%) are confident.

Jane Gratton, deputy director public policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said, “Our data shows that hybrid working is now part of the fabric of the modern workplace. For millions of people, logging in remotely for at least part of the working week is now routine.”

“This flexibility is valued by employers and their teams. Less than 30% of firms expect staff to be working fully in person over the next five years,” Gratton said. “Flexible working makes good business sense.  In a tight labour market, where employers are competing for skilled workers, hybrid working, and flexible working more generally, has become an important part of staff benefit packages.  As well as boosting recruitment and retention, it can help employers unlock new and diverse talent pools.”