BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 133

Homeworking

In the period 19 May to 1 June 2025 (Wave 133) the BICS asked businesses about whether they are using or intend to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward.

Figure 3: 13.8% of businesses are using or intend to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model, rising to 68.5% 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 133 – 19 May to 1 June 2025.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 133 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 28.8% of large businesses were using or intending to use increased homeworking, compared to 12.2% of small to medium-sized businesses.

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

Figure 4: Around 4 out of 5 businesses (79.6%) that are using or intending to use increased homeworking are doing it because it improves staff wellbeing, this was the most common reason given by such businesses

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 are using or plan to use homeworking as a permanent business model. Wave 133 – 19 May to 1 June 2025.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 133 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 4 data see table ‘WFHModelYesY’.

Just under two thirds of businesses (65.5%) are not using or intending to use increased home working as a permanent businesses model going forward. They were asked about their reasons for this.

Figure 5: 84.9% of businesses that are not using, or intending to use, increased homeworking are doing so because homeworking is not suitable for their business, this was the most common reason given by such businesses.

Estimated share of businesses by why business does not use or 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 use or plan to use homeworking as a permanent business model. Wave 133 – 19 May to 1 June 2025.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 133 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 5 data see table ‘WFHModelNoY’.