BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 139

Homeworking

In the period 18 August to 31 August 2025 (Wave 139) the BICS asked businesses about whether they are using or intend to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward.

Figure 2: 13.1% of businesses are using or intend to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model, rising to 48.2% 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 139 – 18 August to 31 August 2025.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 139 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 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 26.6% of large businesses were using or intending to use increased homeworking, compared to 11.7% of small to medium-sized businesses.

Around 4 out of 5 businesses (82.1%) 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.

Around 6 out of 10 businesses (58.8%) are not using or intending to use increased home working as a permanent businesses model going forward, with 80.1% of these businesses reporting that homeworking is not suitable for their business.