There will be a surge in requests from employees for permanent flexible working arrangements after coronavirus restrictions are lifted completely, research shows.
A new survey of 2,000 adults indicated that many people will want to continue working from home when the crisis ends.
More than two in five people are set to ask their employer for permanent flexible working arrangements after coronavirus restrictions are lifted completely, insurer Direct Line said.
Working from home two days a week is the most popular option, but one in 12 people are planning to ask their employer if they can work from home permanently, its report indicated.
Proving to their companies they are able to work remotely is a driving force behind the expected trend, as well as the money saved by not travelling, said Direct Line.
Chloe Couper of Direct Line Life Insurance said: "While the lockdown has been an incredibly difficult and disruptive time for many, it seems to have also had an impact on the mindset of millions of UK workers about the aspects of their life they want to change once it is over.
"Many people wouldn't have considered their employer would accept a flexible working request, despite it being legal to make one, before the pandemic but now companies and employees have become used to home working as the 'new norm', it seems many hope to make part of the change permanent."
Minister for women and equalities Liz Truss said: "As our country recovers from this unprecedented global crisis, we must look at what we can harness to give people the freedom to unleash their potential.
"Flexible working is key to helping people balance their jobs with their caring responsibilities. It can enable parents and those caring for elderly relatives to keep their careers, stay in roles that reflect their skills, and spend more time with their families.
"We have an opportunity for change, to build workplaces that take into account our families, and support us to have both."
