05 May 2021A survey carried out by the Institute of Directors (IoD) has found that businesses are planning to adopt so-called 'hybrid' working once the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions are fully lifted. The survey of 600 business leaders revealed that 63% of firms intend to shift towards one to four days of remote working per week. One in ten businesses are planning to permit employees to work from home entirely, whilst one in five are not planning to introduce any form of remote working. Four in ten business leaders feel that remote working is more productive for their firm, the survey found. 'As the economy re-opens, business leaders are grappling with the best working models going forward,' said Joe Fitzsimons, Senior Policy Adviser at the IoD. 'The flexibility of remote working has improved work-life balance for employees and cut down commuting expenses. In many cases it has also boosted inclusivity and hiring from different parts of the country.' The IoD has suggested that a hybrid working model is likely to 'provide the optimum balance for business leaders as the economy re-opens'.