HOME OR OFFICE?
Working from Home: BCC Survey Findings
A recent British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey shows that more employers are requiring staff to return to the workplace, with almost half expecting full-time office attendance in the next year. While most report no recruitment or retention issues, a small but notable number have lost staff as a result.
Survey Overview
The BCC surveyed around 583 businesses between 24 April and 14 May 2025, the vast majority of which were small and medium-sized enterprises. The results indicate a clear shift towards in-person working, although attitudes vary by sector.
“…the loss of staff experienced by some businesses indicates the need for careful consideration of flexible working arrangements.”
Key Findings
Increase in office requirements
41% of businesses have increased their requirement for onsite working over the past year. Almost half, 48%, expect employees to work onsite every day in the coming 12 months. This is a significant rise from 27% in 2023.
Sector differences
The push towards full-time office attendance is strongest in manufacturing, where 62% of firms expect all work to be onsite, and in consumer-facing companies at 61%. Only 27% of business-to-business service firms plan to require full onsite attendance.
Views on productivity
41% of businesses believe that remote or hybrid working reduces productivity, a figure that rises to 49% among manufacturers. 17% of all respondents believe that such arrangements increase productivity, but this drops to just 9% for manufacturers.
Impact on retention
While 67% of firms requiring onsite work have seen no effect on recruitment or retention, 9% have experienced staff resignations linked to office return requirements.
Implications for Employers
The findings suggest that post-pandemic working practices are continuing to evolve. Employers, particularly in sectors that rely on close collaboration or direct customer contact, are more likely to require full-time office attendance. However, the loss of staff experienced by some businesses indicates the need for careful consideration of flexible working arrangements. Balancing operational needs with employee expectations remains essential to maintaining productivity and avoiding unnecessary turnover.
