BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 127

Homeworking

In the period 17 February to 2 March 2025 (Wave 127) the BICS asked businesses about whether they are using or intend to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward.

Figure 3: An estimated 12.8% of businesses are using or intend to use increased home working as a permanent business model, rising to 46.5% of businesses in the Information & Communication sector.

Increased homeworking as a permanent business model, by industry. Businesses not permanently stopped trading -with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 127 - 17 February to 2 March 2025.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 127 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘WFHModel’.

Large businesses (250 or more employees) were more likely to be using or intending to use increased homeworking than small to medium-sized businesses (10 to 249 employees). An estimated 31.8% of large businesses were using or intending to use increased homeworking, compared to 10.8% of small to medium-sized businesses.

Businesses who were using, or intending to use, increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward, were asked about their reasons for this.

Figure 4: Improved staff wellbeing was the most common reason for businesses using or intending to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model. An estimated 78.7% of businesses using or intending to use increased homeworking gave this as a reason.

Estimated share of businesses by why business intends to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland, and who plan to use homeworking as a permanent business model. Wave 127 - 17 February to 2 March 2025.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 127 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 4 data see table ‘WFHModelYesY’.

Businesses who do not plan to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward, were asked about their reasons for this.

Figure 5: Homeworking not being suitable for the business was the most common reason for not using increased homeworking as a permanent businesses model going forward. An estimated 81.5% of businesses that are not using or intending to use increased homeworking cited this as a reason.

Estimated share of businesses by why business does not intend to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland, and who do not plan to use homeworking as a permanent business model. Wave 127 - 17 February to 2 March 2025.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 127 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 5 data see table ‘WFHModelNoY’.