Where Hybrid Working Stands in 2025: A Guide for Employers

Where Hybrid Working Stands in 2025: A Guide for Employers

Hybrid working is still shaping the job market in 2025, and at Prime Appointments, we’ve seen first-hand how it’s changing the way people work, hire, and run businesses. Our Joint Managing Director, Robyn Holmes, recently shared her insights on BBC Radio Essex, alongside highlights from a BBC Panorama episode. They discussed key topics like productivity, mental health, and how businesses are adapting to hybrid work. Let's break it down and see what it means for your business.

1. How Work is Changing

In 2025, hybrid working is still a major trend, but more companies are asking employees to come back into the office. According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), as quoted by the BBC:

• 26% of workers are in hybrid roles.
• 13% work fully remote.
• 41% are back in the office full-time.

While office-based work is back on the rise, it’s still far from pre-pandemic levels when only 12% of employees had hybrid setups (POST, Parliament). Robyn pointed out on BBC Radio Essex that this shift is particularly noticeable in areas like Essex, where many workers are opting for local jobs instead of commuting to the city after their employers have requested in-office work.

2. Why Face-to-Face Still Matters

Hybrid working offers flexibility, but being in the office remains crucial for career growth. Robyn explained how working alongside experienced colleagues can accelerate learning:

“You learn so much more when you’re in the same space as people who’ve been doing the job for years. For younger workers especially, this is invaluable.”

Stanford University’s Nicholas Bloom supports this, saying office environments are essential for building skills and confidence, especially for younger employees in their teens and early 20s. For employers, striking the right balance between office and remote work ensures employees benefit from both flexibility and growth opportunities.

3. The Mental Health Factor

Mental health is an important consideration in today’s work environments. While remote work offers flexibility, it can also lead to feelings of isolation. Robyn highlighted:

“Working alone can take a toll on your mental health. People working full-time from home often miss the energy and support of interacting with colleagues.”

Hybrid working provides a middle ground. Maya, a Marketing Manager featured on BBC Panorama, shared how working two days from home lets her recharge while staying productive. Employers should aim to create work setups that support both mental well-being and productivity.

4. Collaboration and Getting Things Done

Finding the right balance of in-office and remote work is vital for effective teamwork. Research shows that three office days per week is the sweet spot for productivity. Nicholas Bloom explains:

“Productivity doesn’t improve beyond three in-office days, and fully remote setups can sometimes hurt output.”

Robyn added:

“When you’re working from home, you miss those quick conversations that spark ideas and solve problems.”

Employers should regularly check in with their teams and adjust hybrid schedules to ensure collaboration remains strong.

5. What It Means for the Economy

The shift to hybrid and remote work has also impacted local economies. Robyn noted that small businesses like cafes and shops, which rely on office workers, have seen fewer customers. At the national level, Panorama explained that higher office vacancy rates have cost the commercial property market around £5 billion. However, Nicholas Bloom suggested that hybrid working could help the economy in the long run by increasing the number of people at work, boosting overall productivity and the amount of taxpayers.

6. Hiring, Retention, and Morale

Hybrid working is becoming a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent. Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, explained:

“Progressive businesses see hybrid working as a real plus for recruitment and retention.”

Robyn agreed, saying flexibility boosts morale and many enjoy working in this format. This is especially important for parents and caregivers. Joeli Brearly from the charity Pregnant Then Screwed, shared how hybrid work helps women manage their time better, reducing what she describes as the “motherhood penalty”, essentially the gender pay gap and keeping them active in their careers.

Tips for Employers

Here are some ways to make hybrid working work for your business:

• Track productivity: Check how well hybrid setups are working for your team by reviewing output.
• Plan office days: Use in-office days effectively for collaboration and training.
• Support mental health: Offer resources like flexible schedules and counselling.
• Highlight flexibility in job ads: If you offer hybrid working it's important to showcase this to attract top talent.

In Summary

There's no denying that hybrid working is here to stay in 2025. It offers flexibility, aids recruitment and improves retention, but it also comes with challenges like maintaining collaboration and supporting mental health. Hybrid working may not suit every workplace, but if it’s a viable option for yours, finding the right balance can turn it into a win-win for both employees and the business

Need help navigating hybrid working? Contact Prime Appointments today and let us guide you in building a workforce that works for you.