BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 121

Homeworking

In Wave 121 the BICS asked businesses about whether they are using or intend to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward.

Figure 4: In the period 18 November to 1 December 2024 (Wave 121) an estimated 14.8% of businesses were using or intended to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model. The sectors with the highest shares were ‘Information & Communication’ (34.6%) and ‘Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities’ (34.4%).

Increased homeworking as a permanent business model, by industry. Businesses not permanently stopped trading -with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 121 – 18 November to 1 December 2024.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 121 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 4 data see table ‘WFHModel’.

In Wave 121, businesses who are using, or intending to use, increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward, were asked about their reasons for this.

Figure 5: Improved staff wellbeing was the most common reason for businesses using or intending to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model. An estimated 69.1% 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 121 - 18 November to 1 December 2024.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 121 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 5 data see table ‘WFHModelYesY’.

In Wave 121, businesses who do not plan to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward, were asked about their reasons for this.

Figure 6: 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 82.5% of businesses that were 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 121 – 18 November to 1 December 2024.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 121 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 6 data see table ‘WFHModelNoY’.