New research from leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK finds that the vast majority of businesses in Wales who have adopted a hybrid working approach believe it has boosted their people’s productivity and wellbeing, yet many are still keen for their people to spend more time in the office than they do currently.
The firm’s latest Business Outlook Tracker*, which surveyed mid-sized businesses across Wales, finds that 74.5% of companies are currently adopting a hybrid working approach. Of these, most business leaders said that the approach is adding significant value to their business and their people, including:
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95% believe that it has boosted their people’s productivity
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97% believe that it has positively impacted their people’s wellbeing
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95% believe that their people prefer a hybrid working approach
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95% believe that hybrid working is beneficial for their business
Despite the benefits of hybrid working, 95% of respondents whose businesses have adopted this model would still like their teams to spend more time in the office. This may be due to a recognition that in-person interactions can often be more beneficial for specific activities – in fact, over three quarters (92%) of the businesses who are currently adopting a hybrid approach say that it is impacting their ability to provide adequate support and development for younger or trainee employees.
Alistair Wardell, Partner at Grant Thornton UK and Head of Restructuring in the South of England and Wales, said:
“Across Wales, we’re seeing businesses embrace hybrid working while still valuing crucial in-person connections. This flexible approach boosts wellbeing and productivity, yet many organisations recognise that activities like mentoring younger talent thrive with face-to-face interaction. Finding the right balance is essential for businesses.
“At Grant Thornton, we believe in empowering our people to make sensible decisions about where and when they work. A trust-based approach with clear guiding principles allows employees to deliver high-quality work while enjoying a better work-life balance. Implementing a supportive framework helps ensure everyone’s needs are met – from businesses and clients to employees balancing family commitments or seeking enhanced wellbeing.”
