For over a year now remote working has become the norm for employees all around the globe, and in the UK as hints of a return to normality approaching this summer, questions are being asked as to whether companies will stick with their pre-covid way of life, or if they will adopt a hybrid working system that will allow for employees to continue to work from home a few days a week. If restrictions are to be relaxed completely on June 21, what will the new norm be for companies and their employees?
COVID-19 and remote working…
A survey from as far back as May last year revealed that 55 percent of US workers would prefer hybrid working in the future and the UK a recent survey by Businesswire showed that 67 percent of companies asked saw a future without 5 days in the office a week. For many, remote working has been more flexible and freer compared to pre-COVID times when lives were planned around the typical 9-6 office time 5 days a week, meaning they can spend more time with loved ones or spending time on hobbies.
The remote experience has been different for all ages though, as Speak Media’s Co-Founder George Theohari points out that the older generation has taken the time to be with their families more, whereas those in their 20s tend to live alone. It is important for companies even if they are to adopt a hybrid system, to not neglect social gatherings or opening the office for employee’s mental wellbeing if they want to keep their work-life predominantly at the office.
Plans for companies post-COVID…
As UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recently announced the possibility of all COVID-19 restrictions being lifted on June 21, companies have begun to plan what will be the new normal for their employees. Big banks such as NatWest, Lloyds Banking Group Ltd., and Deutsche Bank have revealed that they plan to conduct trials for a hybrid working system for its employees. However, with less time spent in the office by employees, the lesser need there is for offices which requires rent money.
HSBC has stated that they expect to reduce the amount of property they own by around 40 percent, Lloyds Bank expects to reduce their office space by 20 percent by 2023 and BT plans to cut offices down from 300 to just 30 in the UK. Companies have now started considering transforming offices into “collaboration spaces”, as more employees spend time working remotely and have less need to go into the office other than for socials or essential work that needs to be done in person, such as meeting clients.
The effects of a hybrid working norm…
As more companies begin to deem the hybrid working system superior to the traditional 5 days a week in the office, there will be an impact on the service industry in the UK, particularly in city centers across the country. Due to more employees staying at home, cafes, restaurants, and similar businesses will begin to lose business.
The service industry has already taken a massive hit over the pandemic with lockdowns and restrictions not allowing them to open, so when the time comes to finally reopen and they do not get the usual business recovery could be hard for many.
The hybrid system will be perfect for accommodating both those who feel the need to get out of the house as well as those who have become accustomed to the flexibility and freedom that comes with remote working. This new normal could open up different opportunities to improve the well-being of workers across the globe with newfound freedom in their careers.
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