Remote Working Trends

A new report from Forbes Advisor, published this week, lifts the lid on remote working trends in the UK.

The world of work is changing, and the East Midlands is no exception. Remote work, once a niche trend, is now a significant factor in how businesses operate and how candidates choose their next career move. As a leading recruitment agency in the region, EMBS is here to help both employers and candidates navigate this evolving landscape.

The Rise of Remote Work: UK Statistics

Recent studies show a dramatic shift towards remote and hybrid work models. A recent poll indicated that 63% of respondents worked remotely either all or some of the time. In 2019, only 4.7% of UK employees worked from home, but this surged to 46.6% during the pandemic. While the numbers have fluctuated, a significant portion of the workforce continues to embrace remote options. As of late 2024, 13% of UK workers were fully remote, and 27% had hybrid arrangements.

Why the Shift? Benefits for Employers and Employees

• Improved Work-Life Balance: 78% of employees cite this as a major advantage of working from home.
• Reduced Overheads: Businesses are recognising the cost savings associated with reduced office space.
• Increased Productivity: Many employees report fewer distractions and increased focus when working remotely.
• Access to a Wider Talent Pool: Remote work allows companies to recruit beyond geographical limitations.
• Employee Wellbeing: Many businesses are implementing remote work to improve staff wellbeing.

A Growing Trend

While specific regional data can vary, the national trends suggest a significant portion of professionals in the area are seeking flexible work arrangements. The average cost of commuting in the East Midlands is around £1,747.68 per year, which is a significant incentive for employees to seek remote roles.

EMBS: Your Partner in the New World of Work

Whether you’re an employer looking to attract top talent or a candidate seeking your next opportunity, EMBS can help.

For Employers

• Access a wider pool of candidates: Embrace remote work to tap into talent beyond the East Midlands.
• Develop effective remote work policies: We can advise on best practices for managing remote teams.
• Attract and retain top talent: Offering flexible work arrangements is a key differentiator in today’s competitive market.

For Candidates

• Find remote and hybrid opportunities: We have strong relationships with companies offering flexible work arrangements in the engineering and tech sectors.
• Craft a compelling remote work CV: We can help you highlight the skills and experience that make you a successful remote worker.
• Prepare for remote interviews: We offer guidance on how to showcase your communication and collaboration skills in a virtual setting.

About EMBS

EMBS, headquartered in Derbyshire, is a specialist recruitment consultancy focused on Engineering and Technology. We empower businesses to build impactful teams and individuals to find fulfilling careers by aligning talent and growth strategies. With over two decades of experience, we provide expert recruitment solutions driven by a collaborative and supportive team. We go beyond traditional recruitment, acting as trusted partners and leveraging a network of specialist advisors to ensure our clients make the best talent decisions.

Information taken from Top Remote Working Statistics and Trends in 2025 – Forbes Advisor www.forbes.com