Office and commercial teams are no longer just the administrative backbone, they’re the connective tissue of modern business operations. As organisations accelerate digital transformation and prioritise customer experience, these roles have become critical for business continuity, efficiency, and growth.
At Bond Williams Office & Commercial division, we’ve analysed the latest market insights and candidate behaviours shaping recruitment in 2026. Here’s what employers and hiring managers need to know:
- The Evolution of Office & Commercial Roles
Traditional admin roles have shifted dramatically. Today’s professionals are expected to:
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- Support digital operations through CRM, ERP, and automation tools.
- Bridge multiple functions – finance, HR, marketing support, while maintaining operational flow.
- Deliver exceptional customer experience, often as the first point of contact.
Hybrid working remains a strong expectation, influencing candidate decisions and retention strategies.
CIPD reports that 91% of UK employers now offer flexible working, and 74% provide hybrid arrangements, yet 1.1 million employees left roles last year due to lack of flexibility (CIPD, 2025).
- Roles in Highest Demand
Competition is fierce for:
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- Office Managers and Executive Assistants
- Customer Support Specialists
- Marketing & Sales Coordinators
- Operations and Project Administrators
- Multi-skilled Administrators with cross-functional capability
- Skills Gaps Employers Are Facing
The hardest-to-find capabilities include:
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- Digital-first administration and confidence with multiple platforms
- Customer-centric communication skills
- Ability to manage complex workflows under pressure
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
CIPD and ONS highlight that digital fluency and baseline tech skills are now essential, even for non-technical roles. Employers who fail to invest in training risk widening the capability gap.
- What Candidates Want in 2026
To attract and retain top talent, businesses must offer:
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- Stability and job security
- Hybrid flexibility with purposeful office time
(ONS data shows 28% of UK workers are hybrid, and degree-holders are 10× more likely to work this way.) - Clear progression pathways
- Learning and development opportunities
(CIPD research shows structured learning is a top priority for retention.) - Fair pay aligned with responsibility and workload
Final Thought
Office and commercial professionals keep organisations connected, productive, and customer-focused. In 2026, the businesses that thrive will be those that value and invest in these roles, recognising their impact on operational success.
At Bond Williams, we specialise in connecting businesses with skilled, adaptable, and people-focused talent. If you’re planning your hiring strategy for 2026 talk to us today.
