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CIPD Flexible and hybrid working practices report

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CIPD Flexible and hybrid working practices report

July 30, 2025

Quick Answer: Flexible and hybrid working remain central to the modern workplace, helping organisations attract and retain talent while balancing productivity, wellbeing and evolving employee expectations.

Key Takeaways

  • Flexible working continues to be a major driver of employee attraction and retention.
  • Hybrid working is now widely adopted across most organisations.
  • Employers benefit from improved wellbeing and access to broader talent pools.
  • Challenges remain around leadership, culture and managing hybrid teams.
  • Legislation is increasing employer willingness to approve flexible working requests.

The world of work continues to evolve, with flexible and hybrid practices remaining a key focus. More than a year since the UK Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 came into effect, we examine the current state of flexible and hybrid working from both employer and employee perspectives.

Key Findings from Our Latest Report:

  • Attraction & Retention: Flexible working plays a vital role in attracting and retaining talent. Many employees—particularly younger workers—have left roles due to a lack of flexibility.
  • Widespread Hybrid: Hybrid working remains the norm, with around three-quarters of organisations offering some form of it.
  • Advantages & Challenges: Employers highlight benefits such as access to a wider talent pool, improved wellbeing and greater resilience, while challenges include managing teams effectively and maintaining company culture.
  • “Return to Office” Trends: Despite media narratives, few organisations are enforcing full office returns. Many rely on incentives, although employees still report feeling increased pressure to attend the workplace.
  • Productivity & Fairness: Productivity perceptions remain positive under hybrid models. However, access to flexible working is uneven, with senior employees often having more options and continued unmet demand for flexibility.
  • Legislative Impact: The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 has had a positive influence, with one-fifth of employers now more likely to approve requests. Further strengthening of the law is expected to increase acceptance rates.

Understanding these shifts is essential for organisations navigating a challenging economic climate—particularly when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent.

Read the full report

CMD Recruitment Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What does flexible and hybrid working mean?

Flexible and hybrid working refers to arrangements that allow employees to split their time between home and the workplace or adjust their working hours to better suit personal and professional needs.

Why is flexible working important?

Flexible working is important because it improves employee satisfaction, supports work-life balance and helps organisations attract and retain skilled talent in a competitive market.

How does this affect job seekers or employers?

Job seekers are increasingly prioritising flexibility when choosing roles, while employers must adapt their policies to remain competitive and build resilient, productive teams.

Looking for your next career opportunity?

CMD Recruitment works with employers and candidates across Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and the wider South West.

Browse the latest job vacancies or speak with one of our recruitment consultants today.

About the Author

CMD Recruitment Career Team

This article was written by recruitment specialists at CMD Recruitment, a UK recruitment consultancy supporting employers and candidates across Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and the wider South West.

The team regularly shares insights on recruitment trends, hiring challenges and career advice to help professionals navigate the evolving job market.

Reviewed by senior recruitment consultants at CMD Recruitment.

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