The hybrid work model, once a flexible benefit, has become a structured expectation across the UK labour market. According to a recent analysis by Indeed Hiring Lab (September 2025), employers are increasingly tightening hybrid arrangements, with 85% of hybrid job postings now requiring at least two days a week in the office, up from 65% in 2022.
Accounting Leads the Shift:
Among all sectors, accounting roles now demand the highest average number of in-office days, at 2.4 days per week. This places the profession ahead of human resources (2.3), IT infrastructure (2.3), and even software development (2.3), a sector traditionally seen as remote-friendly.
This shift reflects several key market dynamics:
- Increased regulatory scrutiny and client-facing responsibilities
- A push for collaborative working environments
- The need for real-time communication in financial reporting and audit cycles
Key Hybrid Work Trends:
- Two days in-office is now the most common hybrid arrangement (56% of postings)
- Three days is required in 25% of hybrid roles, up from 20% in 2023
- Only 15% of postings offer just one office day per week, down from 34% two years ago
- Just 4% of hybrid roles ask for four days in-office
Despite these changes, the overall share of UK job postings mentioning remote or hybrid work has remained stable at around 15%, indicating that flexibility is still valued, but within clearer boundaries.
Candidate Preferences vs. Employer Expectations:
Surveys show that UK workers generally prefer 1–2 days in the office, suggesting a slight mismatch between employee desires and employer policies. However, the gap isn’t drastic; many firms are finding a middle ground that balances productivity, culture, and retention.
What This Means for Employers and Job Seekers:
At Rowland Recruitment, we are seeing this trend reflected in real-time across the South East.
Employers are:
- Seeking candidates who are comfortable with structured hybrid schedules
- Prioritising soft skills like adaptability and communication
- Emphasising cloud-based accounting tools (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks) to support hybrid workflows
Employees are:
- Seeking clear structure with flexibility. A consistent 2–3 day office schedule is often preferred over ad hoc attendance.
- Work-life balance & commuting considerations. Hybrid roles that reduce commuting time and support personal wellbeing are highly attractive.
- Technology-Enabled Collaboration. Professionals expect firms to invest in cloud-based tools and digital workflows that make hybrid working seamless.
For clients and candidates, understanding these expectations is key to navigating the recruitment and job market effectively.
Source: Indeed Hiring Lab – Hybrid Work Tightens
