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<\/div>\nOne in ten (9%) small and medium-sized businesses say employees have left because of a requirement to return to onsite working, according to research.<\/strong><\/p>\n A survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) also found that 41% of businesses have increased their requirement for onsite working over the past year, and 48% expect all working days for staff to be on site during the next 12 months<\/p>\n Nearly two-thirds of manufacturers (62%) and business-to-consumer companies (61%) said that all working days will be onsite, compared with just 27% of business-to-business firms.<\/p>\n Jane Gratton, BCC director of public policy, said: \u201cWe\u2019re seeing a clear shift towards more firms requiring full on-site working, but it\u2019s by no means a uniform picture.<\/p>\n \u201cThe trend is being led by manufacturers and consumer-facing businesses, while around two-thirds of B2B service firms continue to operate hybrid models.<\/p>\n \u201cHybrid working has become a fixture of modern working life since the pandemic and is valued by employers and their workforce. But it does not suit everyone and, for some firms, a full onsite model may be the best solution for the business.\u201d<\/p>\n Nearly 600 businesses took part in the online research, carried out in April and May, 94% of which were SMEs with fewer than 250 employees.<\/p>\n Half of manufacturers (49%) thought remote or hybrid working decreases productivity, while only 9% thought it increases it.<\/p>\n While most firms (67%) that require onsite working said it had not impacted recruitment or retention, 9% had seen staff leave in response.<\/p>\n Gratton added: \u201cWith 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHow 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\u2019s right for their business.\u201d<\/p>\n This new data marks a shift in attitudes. Previous polling by BCC in 2023, found that just 27% of responding firms predicted their staff would be fully in-person over the next five years.<\/p>\n Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance<\/h2>\n
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