More people opt to work from home since Covid

The majority of employers have seen an increase in hybrid working since before the Covid-19 crisis, new research suggests.

Three out of five firms say they now have more staff splitting their time between the workplace and working from home or remotely, a survey by the conciliation service Acas found.

Around half of the 1,000 employers surveyed also said there had been an increase in staff working from home fulltime as more workers seek to avoid the time and expense of commuting and find it gives them a better work/life balance.

Acas chief executive, Susan Clews, said: "Many businesses adapted to new ways of working during the pandemic and it's unsurprising that most employers have seen an increase in home and hybrid working among their staff.

"There are clear benefits to these types of flexible working, such as helping businesses attract and retain staff.

"But there will be staff that are eager to get back to how they were working before Covid-19 and hybrid or home working may not be practical for everyone.

"Employers will need to ensure that staff who work remotely have access to the same opportunities as those that are physically in a workplace."

Acas said hybrid working can help businesses attract and retain staff, as well as increase staff productivity as the flexibility allows them to balance work and personal responsibilities.

It advised firms to make sure employees have the necessary equipment and information to work safely from home and to check they are following the law on working hours.