Firms see hybrid benefits but want staff in office – Daily Business

Businesses which have adopted a hybrid working approach believe it has boosted productivity and wellbeing, yet many are still keen for staff to spend more time in the office.

A particular concern is the impact that working remotely has on providing support and development of younger staff.

The Business Outlook Tracker of 607 UK mid-sized businesses by Grant Thornton UK found that almost three quarters (71%) are currently using a hybrid working approach. In Scotland, this figure drops to 37%.

Across the UK, 83% found it had benefited productivity (95% in Scotland), while all Scottish respondents said it has positively impacted their people’s wellbeing, that their people prefer a hybrid working approach and that hybrid working is beneficial for their business.

Despite these benefits, the majority (95%) of Scottish respondents are still keen that their people spend more time in the office than they are currently. This was higher than some regions such as the northwest of England where 85% took this view.

This may be due to a recognition that in-person interactions can often be more beneficial for specific activities. Nine in ten (90%) of the businesses who are currently adopting a hybrid approach says that it is impacting the ability to provide adequate support and development for younger or trainee employees.

The firm said businesses across the UK are embracing hybrid working while still valuing crucial in-person connections.

“A blended approach to in-office working and working from home has become an established way of operating for many organisations since the pandemic,” Richard Waite, people and culture director and head of talent and recruitment, Grant Thornton, UK, said.

“Employees tend to see this as a significant benefit – valuing the flexibility it offers and the ability to better balance professional and personal commitments.

“In turn, many businesses have also seen a boost to their employees’ wellbeing and productivity but recognise that the need for in-person interaction and connectivity has not gone away with some activity, such as training and development or group collaboration, still requiring that in-person, human element.

“For many businesses, finding the right balance that works for their business, their people, and their clients or customers, needs careful time and consideration.”