Office return picks up pace but varies across sectors

15 Aug 2025

Many UK firms are now increasing their requirement for onsite working but the return to offices varies by sector, according to data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Over two fifths of businesses have increased their requirement for onsite working over the past year, says the data.

While most of the firms who require onsite working say it hasn't impacted recruitment or retention, one in ten relevant businesses have seen staff leave in response.

Manufacturers and B2C services most likely to be expecting all working days to be on-site in the next year. However, just 27% of business-to-business service companies say they'll be expecting all shifts to be in person over the next year.

B2B service companies are most likely to see improvements through remote working, with a quarter, saying it increases productivity. That compares with just 17% of all firms.

Jane Gratton, Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 'Hybrid 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.

'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.'