New research from Grant Thornton UK finds that businesses in Scotland that have adopted a hybrid working approach believe it has boosted the productivity and wellbeing of staff — yet many are still keen for their employees to spend more time in the office than they do currently.

Grant Thornton’s latest Business Outlook Tracker, which surveyed mid-sized businesses across Scotland, finds that 37% of companies are currently adopting a hybrid working approach.

Of these, the majority believe that the approach is adding significant value to their business and their people, including:

• 95% believe that it has boosted their people’s productivity
• 100% believe that it has positively impacted their people’s wellbeing
• 100% believe that their people prefer a hybrid working approach
• 100% believe that hybrid working is beneficial for their business

However, 95% of these respondents are still keen that their staff spend more time in the office than they are currently.

This may be due to a recognition that in-person interactions can often be more beneficial for specific activities. About 90% of the businesses currently adopting a hybrid approach say that it is impacting their ability to provide adequate support and development for younger or trainee employees.

Stuart Preston, Practice Leader for Grant Thornton UK in Scotland, said: “Across Scotland, we’re seeing businesses embrace hybrid working while still valuing crucial in-person connections.

“This flexible approach boosts wellbeing and productivity, yet many organisations recognise that activities like mentoring younger talent thrive with face-to-face interaction. Finding the right balance is essential for businesses.

“At Grant Thornton, we believe in empowering our people to make sensible decisions about where and when they work. A trust-based approach with clear guiding principles allows employees to deliver high-quality work while enjoying a better work-life balance.

“Implementing a supportive framework helps ensure everyone’s needs are met – from businesses and clients to employees balancing family commitments or seeking enhanced wellbeing.”

Censuswide, on behalf of Grant Thornton UK, surveyed 54 senior decision makers in Scotland mid-sized businesses – defined as those with revenue between £50 million and £1 billion – in February 2025.