UK Businesses Embrace Hybrid Working with Major Technology Investments

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The shift towards hybrid working is prompting UK businesses to ramp up their technology investments, according to new research by the International Workplace Group. The study, conducted among 500 UK-based CEOs, highlights how firms are investing heavily in technology to enhance the hybrid working experience, a move aimed at boosting employee productivity and well-being.

A new era of technology investment

An impressive 95% of CEOs reported making significant investments in new technologies over the past year. For 43% of these leaders, this was the largest business expense during that period. The main areas of focus have been cloud technology, AI, automation, and security, as businesses seek to streamline remote collaboration and enhance operational efficiency.

Interestingly, 87% of CEOs revealed plans to continue investing in these technologies, aiming to further support hybrid working models. This trend reflects the growing understanding of hybrid work’s long-term benefits, including improved work-life balance, reduced commuting, and enhanced employee satisfaction.

Hybrid working as the future

The research points to a broader transformation in the way businesses view office spaces and commuting. With more employees preferring to work closer to home, businesses are reducing their office footprints and redirecting resources into technologies that support remote and hybrid working. For example, nearly half of the CEOs surveyed have cut down on traditional office space, lowering overheads and reinvesting those savings into new technologies.

As Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, explained, “The investment that CEOs are making in technology demonstrates the long-term commitment companies are making to hybrid working. Advancements in AI, video calls, and cloud computing mean it has never been easier for workforces to collaborate wherever they are.”

The productivity payoff

The investment in hybrid working technology is yielding measurable results. Workers report feeling more productive and motivated when working in a hybrid model. According to the study, 74% of employees said they are more productive in hybrid roles, while 85% noted an increase in job satisfaction.

Further research by economist Nick Bloom found that firms experience a productivity boost of around £14,300 per day for each employee working in a hybrid model. These gains are a direct result of businesses adopting technologies that support flexible working arrangements.

The road ahead

As the workplace continues to evolve, it’s clear that hybrid working is here to stay. With 77% of CEOs viewing hybrid work as the future, and 77% also recognising that technological advancement is crucial to its success, the trend towards remote and flexible working is likely to continue. For UK businesses, this presents an opportunity to rethink traditional office setups, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and ultimately create more sustainable, efficient, and productive working environments.

Hybrid working is no longer a temporary solution—it’s the new normal, and businesses are embracing it with open arms. By investing in the right technologies, UK companies are positioning themselves to thrive in a more flexible and employee-centric future.

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8 November 2024

3 mins read

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