Manufacturers and B2C firms most likely to return to full onsite working – BCC

Over two fifths (41%) of businesses increased their requirement for staff to work on site over the past year, according to research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). 

Most of the firms (67%) who required onsite working said it had not affected recruitment or retention, but 9% said staff had left as a result.

Just under half (48%) of businesses said they expected all working days to be in-person over the next 12 months. 

Manufacturers (62%) and B2C service firms (61%) were most likely to expect all working days to be on site in the next year. 

Among business-to-business (B2B) service companies, only 27% said they expected all shifts to be in person.

Half of manufacturers (49%) said remote or hybrid working decreased productivity, compared with 41% of all firms. 

B2B service companies were most likely to see benefits from remote working, with 25% saying it increased productivity. 

Across all firms, 17% said productivity improved with remote working.

Last year, only 27% of firms predicted all staff would be fully in-person over the next five years.

Jane Gratton, director of public policy at the BCC said: “We’re seeing a clear shift towards more firms requiring full on-site working, but it’s by no means a uniform picture.

“The trend is being led by manufacturers and consumer-facing businesses, while around two thirds of B2B service firms continue to operate hybrid models.

“Hybrid working has become a fixture of modern working life since the pandemic and is valued by employers and their workforce.”

Gratton added: “But it does not suit everyone and, for some firms, a full onsite model may be the best solution for the business.

“With the cost of doing business continuing to escalate, firms are looking to boost productivity. Hybrid working can help firms attract and retain a skilled and engaged workforce. 

“However, some employers are identifying significant benefits of bringing all staff together again onsite.”

She said: “How and where people work is likely to continue to evolve in the years ahead. 

“A flexible working approach makes good business sense but, to drive economic growth, managers also need the flexibility to do what’s right for their business.”