Ways of Working Survey 2023 | The results

‘Different models emerging’ as post-covid ways of working continue to develop

New research has shown how firms in Scotland’s financial and related professional services industry are diverging in their policies on hybrid working.  

The ‘Ways of Working’ report from CMS and Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) indicates that the trend for there being ‘no dominant model’ for hybrid-working has continued, with businesses now differing significantly in their approaches to suit their own business models.

Commenting on the research, Sandy Begbie CBE FRSE, said: “There has been a lot of adjustment over the past few years to ensure that both employers and employees feel the benefits of hybrid working. While its clear we are still in a period of transition, its positive to see that businesses are becoming more assured in what successful hybrid models look like for them.

“There is no one size fits all and businesses are finding different solutions that reflect the diversity of people’s working preferences and requirements.

“SFE will be continue working with our members on this issue to support best practice, enable continued progress and ensure that our sector remains a rewarding and inclusive place to work.”

Gillian MacLellan, a Partner in the UK employment team at CMS, said: “Clients still consult us regularly on hybrid working. The most common query relates to employees who are refusing to return to the office. It is clearly a difficult balance to get right and the fact the survey indicates there is no “norm” across organisations probably reflects that organisations are all trying to find the right balance for their organisations.”