In August 2025, approximately 14 percent of workers in Great Britain worked from home exclusively, with a further 22 percent working from home and travelling to work, while 41 percent only travelled to work. During this time period, the share of people only travelling to work was highest in March 2022, at 60 percent of respondents, with the peak for only working from home occurring in June 2020. In general, hybrid working has become steadily more popular than fully remote working, with the highest share of people hybrid working in November 2023, when 31 percent of people advising they were hybrid working. What type of workers are most likely to work from home? In 2020, over half of people working in the agriculture sector mainly worked from home, which was the highest share among UK industry sectors at that time. While this industry was one of the most accessible for mainly working at home, just six percent of workers in the accommodation and food services sector mainly did this, the lowest of any sector. In the same year, men were slightly more likely to mainly work from home than women, while the most common age group for mainly working from home was those aged 75 and over, at 45.4 percent. Over a long-term period, the share of people primarily home working has grown from 11.1 percent in 1998, to approximately 17.4 percent in 2020. Growth of Flexible working in the UK According to a survey conducted in 2023, working from home either on a regular, or ad hoc basis was the most common type of flexible working arrangement offered by organizations in the UK, at 62 percent of respondents. Other popular flexible working arrangements include the ability to work flexible hours, work part-time, or take career breaks. Since 2013, for example, the number of employees in the UK that can work flextime has increased from 3.2 million, to around 4.2 million by 2024. When asked why flexible work was important to them, most UK workers said that it supported a better work-life balance, with 41 percent expressing that it made their commute to work more manageable.

According to a survey conducted in 2023, approximately ** percent of employers thought that increased hybrid working had made no difference to employee productivity. Of those surveyed, ** percent felt that it made their employees more productive, with ** percent believing they were less productive.

Data on working patterns and location of work of adults in Great Britain, including costs and benefits of homeworking and future expectations. Survey data from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN).

Data on location of work by different breakdowns and time spent for working adults in Great Britain. Survey data from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN), Time Use Survey (TUS) and Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICs).

Hybrid models of working are on the rise in the United States according to survey data covering worker habits between 2019 and 2024. In the second quarter of 2024, 53 percent of U.S. workers reported working in a hybrid manner. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a record number of people working remotely to help curb the spread of the virus. Since then, many workers have found a new shape to their home and working lives, finding that a hybrid model of working is more flexible than always being required to work on-site.

The UK flexible workspace market, valued at approximately £1.85 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.95% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. The increasing adoption of hybrid work models, fueled by technological advancements and evolving employee preferences for work-life balance and flexibility, is a significant driver. Furthermore, the rising costs of traditional office spaces in major UK cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham are compelling businesses of all sizes to explore more cost-effective and agile solutions. The diverse range of flexible workspace options available, including private offices, co-working spaces, and virtual offices, caters to varied business needs and budgets, further fueling market expansion. Growth is particularly strong within the IT and Telecommunications, Business Consulting & Professional Services, and BFSI sectors, which are actively seeking adaptable work environments to support their workforce needs. However, the market faces certain restraints. Economic uncertainty and potential downturns can impact demand, especially among smaller businesses. Competition within the market is intense, with established players like IWG and WeWork competing alongside numerous smaller providers. Maintaining a high occupancy rate and adapting to changing market dynamics, including evolving technology and shifting preferences among employees, will remain critical challenges for market participants. The continued success of the flexible workspace sector hinges on its ability to innovate, adapt to technological developments, and deliver high-quality, convenient workspaces that meet the changing needs of a diverse clientele. The geographic distribution of growth will likely favor major cities, reflecting existing infrastructure and high concentrations of businesses, although smaller cities are also seeing increasing adoption. Recent developments include: October 2022: WeWork has announced its partnership with Foundervine, to offer 12 months of flexible workspace solutions, starting from January 2023 to early-stage entrepreneurs from ethnically diverse backgrounds across the UK and Ireland., May 2022: Flexspace announced the introduction of a corporate solution for hybrid-remote businesses that gives staff members a flawlessly integrated platform to find, reserve, and manage flexible workspace on-demand right from the existing processes. A USD 6 million seed round led by M13 is signed by the business established by former executives in order to fund product development and regional expansion.. Notable trends are: Demand for Larger Spaces driving the market.

Supplementary characteristics on demographic breakdowns of workers and further breakdowns of working arrangements. Indicators from our Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN).

In 2021, ** percent of employees from a global survey want flexible remote work options to stay post-pandemic. As businesses around the world sent their employees into home office and remote work setups during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, both employees and employers have become accustomed to this new work situation. As a result, they appreciate the positive aspects and would like to retain them in the future.

In 2020, approximately *** million people worked mainly from home in the United Kingdom, an increase of around **** million people when compared with 1998, when just *** million workers mainly worked from home. As a share of all workers in the United Kingdom, this was the equivalent of **** percent of the UK workforce, compared with **** percent in 1998. Rise of the hybrid workforce More recent figures on working location trends in Great Britain, indicate that as of June 2025, around ** percent of workers had worked from home exclusively in the last seven days, with a further ** percent only travelling to work. Just over a ******* of British workers, however, had both worked from home and traveled to work in the last seven days. Although less common than only travelling to work, hybrid working has generally been more popular than only working at home since around Spring 2022 and is possibly one of the most enduring impacts that COVID-19 had on the labor market. Demographics of homeworkers While advancements in internet connectivity and communication software have enabled more people to work from home than ever before, there are still obvious disparities in the share of homeworkers by industry. Over **** of the UK’s agriculture workforce in 2020 regularly worked from home, compared with just *** percent of those that worked in accommodation or food service. In the same year, the region with the highest share of people working from home was South West England at **** percent, while Northern Ireland had the lowest at just *** percent.

The UK co-working office space industry is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a market size of £1.34 billion in 2025 and maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.11% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The increasing preference for flexible work arrangements among both freelancers and established companies seeking cost-effective solutions and scalable workspace is a significant factor. Technological advancements, including improved booking platforms and workspace management systems, are streamlining operations and enhancing the user experience. Furthermore, the growing number of startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK is driving demand for affordable and adaptable co-working spaces, particularly in major metropolitan areas like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds. The industry caters to a diverse range of end-users, including personal users, small-scale companies, large-scale corporations, and various application sectors like IT, legal services, BFSI, and consulting. While the market faces challenges such as competition from traditional office spaces and economic fluctuations, the overall outlook remains positive, driven by the sustained demand for flexible and collaborative work environments. The segmentation of the UK co-working market reveals a concentration in major cities, with London likely holding the largest market share followed by Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds. The popularity of serviced and flexible managed offices reflects the preferences for customizable solutions. The presence of numerous established players, including Regus, The Office Group, and numerous smaller, independent providers, indicates a competitive but dynamic landscape. The continuing rise of remote work and hybrid work models will further solidify the long-term growth trajectory of the co-working sector. Companies are strategically adapting their offerings to meet evolving needs, incorporating amenities, networking opportunities, and community-building initiatives to attract and retain clients. Future growth will hinge on the industry's ability to innovate, provide value-added services, and adapt to the shifting preferences of the workforce. Recent developments include: May 2023: Amazon took over WeWork Cos.' 70,000 sq. ft office space in London. The tech giant will take over WeWork's refurbished Moore Place office building, which is estimated to house around 1,000 employees., July 2023: WeWork, the leading global flexible space provider, announced a franchise partnership with Garnier & Garnier, one of Costa Rica’s best-known and most reputable real estate development companies, giving Garnier the exclusive right to grow and operate WeWork’s existing locations in Costa Rica.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Increasing Shift Toward Co-working Spaces is Driving the Market4.; Increasing Focus on Sustainability is Driving the Market. Potential restraints include: 4., Increasing Shift Toward Co-working Spaces is Driving the Market4.; Increasing Focus on Sustainability is Driving the Market. Notable trends are: The Demand for Landlord-Fitted Office Space Surges Amid Rising Costs and Shrinking Availability.

It all started with a laptop on a kitchen table. One device, one user, and a Wi-Fi network not built for enterprise-grade security. Multiply that by millions, and you begin to grasp the scale of the remote work cybersecurity challenge. As the boundaries between home and work blur, so do...

Working from home has seen a rise in prevalence, particularly in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic. Although it is widely believed that wfh enables employees to better combine paid work with domestic duties, potentially enhancing work-life balance, emerging evidence suggests that it may also hinder career advancement and adversely affect mental health, with notable impacts on women. We employ longitudinal data from three British Cohort Studies, collected one year into the covid-19 pandemic, to investigate the characteristics of those who report working from home and the relationship with gender disparities in hourly wages, mental health, and well-being. Using longitudinal data also allows us to control for cohort members’ labour market situation prior to the pandemic, thereby helping to isolate the pandemic’s effects. Our findings indicate that individuals who work from home typically receive higher wages compared to those who work from employers’ premises, but the gender wage gap is most pronounced among those who work from home. Furthermore, consistent with the flexibility paradox, our analysis reveals that women who work from home - particularly those who work hybrid - experience the most detrimental mental health outcomes.

The UK office furniture market, valued at £5.21 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.78% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key drivers. The increasing adoption of hybrid work models necessitates adaptable and ergonomic furniture solutions, boosting demand for modular desks, adjustable chairs, and collaborative workspaces. Furthermore, a focus on employee well-being and productivity is driving investment in high-quality, ergonomic furniture designed to enhance comfort and efficiency. Technological advancements, such as smart office furniture integrating technology and data analytics, also contribute to market expansion. However, economic fluctuations and potential supply chain disruptions pose challenges to sustained growth. Competition amongst established players like SteelCase, Herman Miller, and Knoll, alongside emerging brands focusing on sustainability and innovative designs, is intense, shaping the market landscape. The segment breakdown likely includes categories such as seating, desks, storage, and collaborative furniture, with each segment exhibiting varying growth rates based on evolving workplace trends. The forecast period (2025-2033) suggests a gradual increase in market value, with higher growth anticipated in the initial years, potentially tapering off slightly towards the end of the forecast period as market saturation and economic factors come into play. Regional variations within the UK market are likely, with larger urban centers potentially exhibiting stronger growth compared to rural areas. The market will continue to see innovation in materials, designs, and functionalities, driven by the need for sustainable and adaptable furniture solutions catering to the dynamic needs of modern workplaces. Companies will need to focus on both quality and design to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. A focus on e-commerce and omnichannel strategies will become increasingly important for reaching a wider customer base. Key drivers for this market are: Tech-Integrated Furniture are Helping to Grow the Market. Potential restraints include: Raw Material Cost Barrier to Growth. Notable trends are: Growing Flexible Office Spaces in the Country.

The packages offered by serviced office providers vary from renting private offices, co-working spaces, virtual offices and meeting room facilities, including daily access, monthly memberships and yearly desk area rental. The main appeal of service offices is the cancellation flexibility and relatively low monthly prices, which are incredibly convenient for fast-growing companies. Large companies IWG and WeWork have a strong foothold in the industry, as they’ve previously been able to afford to lease prime Central London locations, capitalising on an increasing number of tech start-ups. Over the five years through 2024-25, revenue is forecast to inch upwards at a compound annual rate of 0.4% to £2.9 billion. Before the pandemic, the expansion of tech start-ups and consultancies fuelled growth; flexible workspace providers were quickly expanding – perhaps too quickly. Then, the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting lockdown and stay-at-home measures slashed new memberships and occupancy levels, draining the cashflow and profitability of flexible workspace providers. Ever since, though, the homely environments offered by serviced office providers have become very attractive to businesses that use hybrid working models, with revenue forecast to climb by 6.7% over 2024-25. The growing tendency of large service-based technology companies to offload underutilised expensive offices in favour of serviced offices with low overhead costs is supporting demand. Over the five years through 2029-30, revenue is slated to expand at a compound annual rate of 2.3% to £3.2 billion. The thriving UK tech start-up scene, powered by innovation and investment in AI, will propel growth, with more and more tech businesses engaging in hybrid working. According to a WeWork survey in September 2024, 59% of companies planning to increase their workspace in the next two years will choose flexible over traditional offices, boosting demand for industry services moving forward. The growing need for home-like, collaborative spaces will lead to an influx of new boutique serviced office providers, attracting new members with out-of-the-box digital marketing campaigns. Similarly, an increasing number of start-ups in tech hubs outside London, in areas like Birmingham and Manchester, will result in more serviced office spaces opening up outside of the capital in the coming years.

UK Office Real Estate Market size was valued at USD 149.67 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 184.80 Billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 6% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers:

Workplace Evolution and Hybrid Working: The fundamental transformation in workplace strategies post-pandemic has created substantial demand for flexible and adaptable office spaces. This shift drives the development of hybrid-ready office environments with enhanced digital infrastructure, collaboration spaces and wellness features, particularly in major business districts where diverse workspace solutions are increasingly sought after by both domestic and international organizations seeking modern, adaptable office environments.

Technology Integration and Smart Buildings: The accelerating adoption of smart building technologies, including IoT sensors, advanced HVAC systems and digital access controls, significantly contributes to market growth. These technological advancements enhance building efficiency, improve occupant experience and provide valuable data insights while ensuring properties remain competitive and attractive to premium tenants seeking state-of-the-art office environments.

In 2022, around ** percent of respondents stated that their biggest struggle when working remotely was staying at home too often because there they don't have reason to leave. Moreover many people who work from home do not necessarily have a designated workspace, they experience a conflation between their living area and workplace. Most notably, around ** percent of respondents reported loneliness as their biggest struggle with working remotely. As a result, remotely working employees emphasize the importance of finding strategies to balance their private lives with their professional routines. On the other hand, employees also state having less difficulties with collaboration and communication in 2021. This is likely due to the quick cultivation of skills during the 2020 pandemic that allow them to effectively communicate and collaborate with others when working from different locations. Challenges inherent in new work set-ups As employees work from different locations, companies are confronted with the urgency to ease some of the challenges inherent in novel hybrid work solutions. Strategies developed to support remote work include training for employees or expanding information technology infrastructure to ensure that employees can collaborate efficiently from different locations. The future of work Certainly, it is important to take the challenges experienced by employees seriously as the current telework trend is likely to continue and become a common way of working in the future. Addressing challenges head-on in the present will ensure better working conditions in the future.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many industries work, including contact centres, with some employees working from home and new on-site restrictions/measures in place representing even greater challenges for employers around staff engagement and wellbeing. This study aimed to understand the interplay of individual, social, environmental and organisational factors influencing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in UK contact centre employees, how the pandemic impacted these factors, and their relevance for the future of hybrid working.MethodsIndividual interviews (n = 33) were conducted with participants (staff working full and part time, on site and from home) from four UK contact centres. A topic guide based on the ecological model was developed to understand current barriers and facilitators to physical activity and (reducing) sedentary behaviour during and outside of working hours. Thematic analysis was carried out using a codebook and a deductive coding approach to identify themes.ResultsThree key insights are provided. First, participants felt they were generally sitting more and moving less since the first UK-wide lockdown. Second, factors which negatively impacted on these behaviours were evident across all levels of the ecological model. These included individual and social barriers (e.g., lack of motivation and preferable physical activity options) as well as environmental and organisational barriers (e.g., poor home office setup, back-to-back virtual meetings). There were a mix of new and existing barriers (exacerbated by the pandemic) and several of these were linked to homeworking. Third, organisational support requirements (e.g., homeworking ergonomic support) and existing facilitators (such as the provision of informational support and flexible working arrangements) were identified.ConclusionSolutions to reduce sedentary behaviours and increase physical activity in contact centres need to address barriers from the individual to the organisational level. Whilst the study was undertaken in the UK, the results are like to be applicable globally.Trial registrationClinical trial registration: The trial for the wider project has been registered on the ISRCTN database: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11580369.

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Flexible Office Market Size 2024-2028

The flexible office market size is forecast to increase by USD 28.32 billion at a CAGR of 9.2% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key drivers. One major factor is the increasing preference for remote and hybrid work arrangements, which has led to a higher demand for flexible office solutions. Additionally, there is a rising demand from tier two cities as businesses seek cost-effective alternatives to traditional office spaces. However, data security concerns continue to be a challenge for space providers offering co-working smart office spaces and private offices. Information technology plays a crucial role in addressing these concerns, with advanced data security systems and cloud-based solutions becoming increasingly important. Overall, the market is poised for continued expansion as it offers businesses flexibility, cost savings, and access to modern amenities.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market is undergoing a significant shift as businesses adapt to new work models. Flexible office solutions, including coworking spaces and shared workspaces, are gaining popularity among organizations of all sizes. The market is witnessing strong demand from large enterprises, SMEs, MSMEs, IT, telecom service, media and entertainment sectors, and other verticals. Flexible office coworking spaces, cater to various business needs, ranging from private offices and virtual offices to hotel-style coworking spaces. They provide an agile alternative to traditional office leases, enabling companies to scale their office requirements as needed. This trend is particularly relevant for industries such as IT, telecommunications, media and entertainment, and MSMEs, which often require flexible work arrangements.

Moreover, flex space offerings from space providers continue to evolve, integrating advanced digital solutions to enhance productivity and collaboration. These integrations include high-speed internet, cloud services, and video conferencing facilities. Moreover, flexible office solutions offer networking opportunities, fostering a vibrant business community within the space. Large enterprises are also embracing flexible office solutions to accommodate their hybrid work models. By leasing flexible office spaces, they can maintain a presence in key business locations while reducing their real estate footprint and overhead costs. The flexible office sector's growth is driven by various factors, including changing labor laws and the increasing preference for remote work.

In addition, as more businesses adopt remote work arrangements, the demand for flexible office solutions is expected to rise. In the US commercial real estate market, flexible office providers are expanding their office portfolios to cater to this growing demand. These providers offer a range of options, from coworking spaces for startups and SMEs to private offices for larger teams. The trend towards flexible office spaces is expected to continue, transforming the US office market and offering businesses a more agile and cost-effective alternative to traditional office leases.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Coworking spaces
  Served offices
  Virtual offices
  Hybrid spaces


End-user

  IT
  BFSI
  Retail and consumer
  Others


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Type Insights

The coworking spaces segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market has seen significant growth, with virtual offices and telecommunications playing a crucial role in enabling remote work. In the United States, the coworking spaces segment is leading the market, as businesses seek flexible and adaptable workspaces. According to recent reports, the demand for coworking spaces is increasing due to the shift towards hybrid work models post-pandemic. For instance, in India, over 2 million square feet of coworking spaces are set to be leased in Chennai and Hyderabad by 2024. One provider of coworking spaces, Incuspaze Solutions Pvt Ltd., has leased 1 million square feet of office space in the East Whitefield area of Bengaluru to cater to this growing demand.

In addition, media and Entertainment industries, as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), are among the key consumers of flexible office solutions. These industries value the cost savings and flexibility offered by flexible office portfolios. As the trend towards flexib