Sharp drop in agents and support staff working from home

The number of property employees employees in the UK working from home has dropped by almost half in the space of a year.

According to latest government figures, 9.3 per cent of the sector’s workforce were yet to return to the office in January.

That compares to 16.9 per cent in January 2022, and signals a continuing change in culture as the effects of the Covid pandemic continue to wane.

The official government report surveyed 10,000 business across the UK on working patterns, including 130 firms in the real estate sector.

And while a further 26.1 per cent of estate agents were using a hybrid model – where workers spend some of the week in the office and some at home – a full 59.5 per cent had returned to the office full time.

The figures were revealed in the Office for National Statistics’ Business Insights and Conditions Survey.

“Nearly three years after Covid struck, we are finally seeing a big move back to the office, especially for real estate firms. The drop in home-working of almost 50 per cent in year shows the changing trend and something closer to what used to be called normal business. That will present challenges and opportunities for real estate firms” says  Gavin Brown, director of Speak With Impact.

“Some workers may need supported in regaining confidence to deal face-to-face with others again, and those at the top level will need to brush up on their presentation skills again. But there are also many opportunities.

“While the return to the office is underway, many hybrid influences will remain, especially when it comes to pitching remotely and mixing physical and digital presentations.

“For those who get that right, there will be many opportunities to expand business and contacts, using the few positives from Covid in terms of technology while ramping up activity in person too.”