Working from home 'not proper work', former UK supermarket boss says | BBC News

Summary

The video script highlights the ongoing debate around remote working and its impact on productivity. Leading British business figures, including Stuart Lord Rose, argue that remote work is contributing to a decline in the economy and productivity. Some businesses, particularly in industries like music and IT, are pushing for more in-office attendance, while others embrace flexible working to improve recruitment and retention. Government policies are being developed to support workers' rights to request flexible working. The future of work is uncertain, with tension between the benefits of remote work and the traditional office environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Remote working is being criticized for potentially creating a generation that doesn't do 'proper work,' according to a leading British business figure.
• 😀 Chris, from an independent music label, believes that remote working has impacted their bottom line, prompting a shift to requiring office attendance for three days a week.
• 😀 Chris emphasizes that the music industry thrives on building in-person relationships, which he believes can’t be fully replicated remotely.
• 😀 Young workers in creative industries express that working in the office can be more inspiring and productive compared to remote work.
• 😀 Some employees, particularly those with social energy limitations, prefer the flexibility of working from home, as they can focus on tasks like administrative work more effectively.
• 😀 The number of people working remotely is rising, with 13% working entirely from home, and 26% working in a hybrid model.
• 😀 IT manager Ed, who works mostly from home, finds it more efficient for balancing family responsibilities and maximizing his best work hours, avoiding commuting time.
• 😀 Civil servants are being asked to return to the office for 2-3 days a week, but some, like Ed, are refusing and continuing to work remotely.
• 😀 Critics argue that some public service workers who can work from home should return to the office to ensure public services are optimally managed and funded.
• 😀 While some employers push back on remote work, others, like progressive businesses, see it as beneficial for recruitment and retention, improving work-life balance for employees with caregiving responsibilities.

Q & A

What is the main concern raised by Stuart Lord regarding working from home?

Stuart Lord is concerned that working from home is creating a generation of people who are not doing proper work, which he believes is contributing to a general decline in the economy.

How does Chris from Hospital Records view the impact of remote working on the music industry?

Chris believes that remote working has negatively affected their business, and he feels that building meaningful relationships in the music industry requires in-person interactions, which he encourages by implementing a policy of three office days per week.

What is the opinion of some young employees about returning to the office?

Some young employees, like the one interviewed, prefer remote work because it allows them to manage their social energy better and complete tasks like administrative work more efficiently at home.

What is the stance of some civil servants on working from the office?

Some civil servants, like Ed, prefer working from home because it allows them to better manage their personal life, such as taking care of children, and still be productive. They are refusing to return to the office, despite requests from their employers.

What is the government’s perspective on flexible working arrangements?

The government supports flexible working arrangements, citing its new employment rights bill, which aims to make it harder for employers to reject requests to work from home, particularly benefiting people with caring responsibilities.

What are some companies doing in response to the rise of remote work?

Some well-known businesses, like Boots, Sports Direct, and Amazon, are pushing back against remote work by requiring their office staff to come into work every day.

How does Lord Rose describe the impact of remote work on younger generations?

Lord Rose argues that remote work is creating a generation of people who are used to not engaging in 'proper work,' which he believes could have long-term negative consequences for productivity and the economy.

What argument does Lord Rose make about the fairness of remote work policies for different workers?

Lord Rose suggests that some workers, such as those in retail or healthcare, cannot work remotely and must go into the office, implying that remote work policies create an unfair divide between different sectors of the workforce.

What do progressive businesses think about remote work and its benefits?

Progressive businesses recognize the benefits of remote work, particularly in improving recruitment and retention, as it offers flexibility that can be especially important for people with caregiving responsibilities.

What does the government believe about the value of flexible working arrangements?

The government believes that flexible working, including remote work, provides value to both workers and employers, particularly in improving employee retention and recruitment by offering better work-life balance.