As of 2025, approximately 28% of Britons work remotely either full-time or part-time, according to the latest statistics. This figure reflects the significant shift in work culture driven by advancements in technology, changing attitudes, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Remote Working Has Changed Over the Years
Remote working has evolved from a niche arrangement into a mainstream practice over the past decade. Here are the key milestones:
Pre-2010: Remote working was rare, limited to freelancers and select industries with flexible arrangements.
2010-2020: Advances in technology, such as cloud computing and collaboration tools, began enabling more workers to perform tasks from home. By 2019, around 12% of UK employees worked remotely at least occasionally.
2020 Onwards: The pandemic marked a turning point, with remote work becoming the default for millions. By April 2020, nearly 50% of Britons were working from home. While some returned to offices, many adopted hybrid models or remained fully remote.
The rise in remote work has been facilitated by tools like video conferencing, project management software, and secure access solutions. Employers have recognised its benefits, including reduced overhead costs and access to a broader talent pool.
Which Industries Have the Most Remote Working?
Certain industries are more suited to remote work due to the nature of their tasks. Here are the sectors leading the way:
Technology and IT
- Prevalence: Nearly 60% of professionals in tech and IT work remotely, as their roles primarily involve digital tools and online platforms.
- Why It Works: These roles require minimal physical presence and can be efficiently managed from home.
Professional Services
- Prevalence: Lawyers, accountants, consultants, and other professionals in this sector have embraced hybrid and remote working. Around 40% of these workers operate remotely.
- Why It Works: These jobs rely on communication, analysis, and documentation, which are easily adaptable to virtual environments.
Education and Training
- Prevalence: With the growth of e-learning, 35% of educators and trainers now work remotely, especially those involved in online courses and private tuition.
- Why It Works: Digital platforms allow educators to reach students across geographic boundaries.
Finance and Insurance
- Prevalence: Approximately 30% of employees in this industry work remotely, driven by the digitisation of financial services.
- Why It Works: Secure technologies ensure that sensitive financial data can be accessed safely from anywhere.
Media and Marketing
- Prevalence: Over 40% of professionals in media, marketing, and content creation work remotely.
- Why It Works: Creative and digital content production thrives in flexible, remote settings where teams can collaborate online.
Speak To Rydal Group About Remote Working Solutions
Rydal Group offers superb remote working solutions to help you get the most out of your employees, wherever they are based. Through a combination of advanced desk phones and a suite of business communication apps, your remote team can be highly efficient and operating in a secure and safe environment.
We also have solutions for hybrid working setups, allowing staff members to maximise efficiency with strong connectivity when working both in the office and at home.
For more information, speak to our team today on 01733 511 116 or enquire here online.
The Future of Remote Work in The UK
Remote working is expected to continue growing, driven by technology and employee demand. Employers are increasingly investing in hybrid work models that balance flexibility with in-person collaboration. To adapt to this trend, businesses must focus on offering remote work options to improve job satisfaction and employee retention, enhancing technology by investing in secure collaboration tools and VPNs, and supporting staff well-being by addressing challenges like isolation and fostering virtual team-building initiatives.
Emerging trends of remote working also highlight the increasing importance of flexibility in the job market, with employees prioritising roles that offer remote options. Younger generations, in particular, are seeking work-life balance and the ability to work from anywhere. As remote work becomes a standard offering, businesses that fail to accommodate these preferences risk losing top talent to competitors.
Remote working has become an integral part of the modern workplace, with nearly 28% of Britons embracing this flexible arrangement. To read more on remote work, visit ONS Labour Market Overview.
The shift has transformed industries, redefined work-life balance, and created new opportunities for businesses and employees alike. Understanding these trends and adapting to them will be key for organisations aiming to thrive in the evolving landscape of work.