Where fully remote work eventually declined as people started returning to the office, many hybrid work options stayed in place.

Of course, this isn’t to say that this will remain the case! For London’s finance industry especially, more offices are showing interest in moving back to in-house work, but hybrid still remains an option for select roles and seniority. So, if you’re looking for hybrid work options in London, here is what you should know:

What hybrid work looks like in London

Hybrid work means that time is split between working in the office and working from home. This most often means 2-3 days in the office, though we are seeing more trends towards 4 days in-office. UK data suggests around 28% of people work in hybrid environments, a figure that is reflected in London’s finance district.

Ultimately, hybrid environments are more popular in London, first because of the nature of office work. Today, much office work can be undertaken securely from anywhere, as long as we have a laptop and internet connection. In the sprawling capital, being able to work from home also means companies and personnel can avoid commuting delays or large travel expenses. Offices can also make significant savings on desks, when space is at such a premium in London.

The benefits of hybrid roles in London

Commuting is one of the top complaints that workers have in the capital. Reducing the number of in-office days means you will spend less and have more time at your disposal. Often, at-home days are less structured and outside meetings offer a greater degree of flexibility. So, you can spend all that time you might have needed on a long commute to take care of your plants or go for a run instead!

Some report that hybrid workers can reap the benefits of both in-office and fully remote working, maintaining the critical connection to the office while also keeping the coveted work-life balance afforded to people who work from home. And working from home without the distractions of the office can help some to concentrate more fully on their work.

The risks of hybrid roles in London

A role advertised as “hybrid” will appeal to people outside London and less-able to come into the office regularly. In our experience, such roles are nearly always advertised when the company wants to cast a wider net to attract highly talented candidates. Keep in mind, then, that hybrid roles are often more competitive.

Those extra days at home could put you at risk of managers overlooking you for a promotion. Departments may also assess your role more critically when they need to tighten their budgets, and hybrid workers often have to work harder to prove their value.

Finally, it can sometimes be more difficult for teams to collaborate when people are working both in-house and at home. Despite what technology can offer us today, sometimes nothing beats in-person meetings. If you want to be a part of the decision-making teams, working fully in the office is probably the best way forward.

London’s hybrid finance roles

Not all finance roles are alike in readjusting to hybrid working environments.

Investment banking is where we see the fewest hybrid roles succeeding. This is often because deals must be made in person, and the cultural pressure tends towards longer hours and more visibility. If you’re serious about working in IB, take care when asking hiring managers about hybrid work options.

Asset management roles are more research-focused, with a greater emphasis on independence at work. As a result, workers might see more flexibility, but in our experience they still spend much of their time in the office.

For private equity and hedge fund management, hybrid roles might be more hidden, but they do exist. These roles are highly dependent on the individual fund, and they tend to grant flexible roles based on job seniority and trust. Nevertheless, many senior people spend much of their time in the office anyway because they find it easier to collaborate.

What London finance firms think about hybrid roles

For the capital’s finance and banking industry, companies often see hybrid roles as practical and beneficial ways to source and retain the best candidates. Critically, though, they also promote the workers who show up. If you’re looking for a long-term career, keep this in mind when you start your first hybrid role.

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