A home office
(Picture: PA Wire)Staying at home — and working from home — became imperative during the pandemic. As lockdown restrictions lift, the question facing business and employees is what the future of work looks like and how we adapt to it.
Many formerly office-bound workers have become used to working from home, balancing Zoom calls and Slack messages from their study (if they are lucky) or bedrooms.
As we report today, the Government is considering changes to the law that could prevent employers from forcing staff to work from the office.
A default right to work from home would be a substantial change to the status quo and would have a significant impact on city life — and possibly some companies’ productivity.
Centrally located businesses that rely on office workers to buy their goods and services will suffer. And many sectors, from hospitality to construction, will largely be unable to offer such allowances to employees.
How firms attract top talent will also change. While high salaries and top-end offices have become tools to grab the best people, now working conditions and flexibility will rise in importance.
Hybrid working looks set to stay for millions of people who have enjoyed the balance it can confer. But any significant changes to the way we work must be taken with caution and an appreciation of the kind of city centres we want to have in the future and the impact on the wider economy.
