BBC Interview: The future of work (and work from home) and commercial property

Summary

As the UK emerges from the pandemic, a significant shift towards hybrid working is observed among the country's largest employers. Out of 50 firms, 43 plan to implement a mix of home and office work, encouraging staff to work from home 2-3 days a week. This new model raises questions about the future of office spaces, local businesses, and the long-term impact on company culture and employee development. The Australian scenario, with a controlled pandemic, also leans towards hybrid work, with 41% of people working from home at least one day a week in February 2021, indicating a preference for flexibility and a cautious approach to potential future pandemics.

Takeaways

• 🏢 UK's largest employers are shifting towards a hybrid work model, with 43 out of 50 firms planning a mix of home and office work.
• 🔄 Companies are encouraged to embrace a flexible work schedule, with employees working from home 2 to 3 days a week.
• 🤔 Four firms are still reviewing the concept of hybrid working, indicating a cautious approach to the new work paradigm.
• 🏡 The shift to remote work has implications for office space needs, with companies potentially requiring 20% less space.
• 🛠️ Employers face the challenge of balancing new work flexibility with maintaining teamwork and collaboration.
• 🛑 The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having the right technology and infrastructure for effective remote work.
• 🏙️ The impact of remote work extends beyond offices, affecting local businesses like shops and cafes that rely on commuter traffic.
• 🚶‍♂️ Not everyone finds working from home suitable, with factors like access to technology, reliable internet, and a quiet workspace influencing productivity.
• 🌆 The script suggests that working from home may become a lasting change post-pandemic, with varying impacts on enterprise, culture, and training.
• 🏗️ There's a potential for a decrease in office construction and a possible conversion of existing offices into residential flats as companies adjust to the new normal.
• 🌐 The report from Sydney indicates that hybrid working is becoming the norm, with 41% of people working from home at least one day a week as of February 2021.
• 🔄 The Australian Bureau of Statistics found that the majority of people prefer working from home at least part of the week, with expectations for this trend to continue.

Q & A

What is the current plan of UK's biggest employers regarding staff returning to the office post-pandemic?

Major UK employers have indicated they don't plan to bring staff back to the office full time. Out of 50 firms, 43 embrace a mix of home and office working, encouraging staff to work from home two to three days a week, while four are keeping the idea of hybrid working under review.

How does the shift to a hybrid work model impact the employees' work-life balance?

The hybrid work model allows employees to balance home and office work, which can be beneficial for those dealing with distractions at home, such as home schooling or working with family members. However, it also requires careful management to ensure teamwork and collaboration are not stifled.

What changes are companies making to their office space requirements due to increased remote work?

With more employees working from home three to four days a week, companies may require 20 percent less office space. However, they must manage this transition carefully to avoid issues when many employees choose to work from home on the same days.

How does the shift to remote work affect businesses that rely on office workers as customers, such as cafes and shops?

Businesses like cafes and shops that cater to commuters are significantly impacted when many people work from home. Some locations have seen a drastic drop in foot traffic, making it difficult for these businesses to sustain their operations.

What are the potential drawbacks of working from home for employees without the necessary resources or environment?

Working from home isn't suitable for everyone, especially those without access to the right technology, reliable internet, or a quiet place to work. It can also depend on where in the country one lives, as commuting times and house prices vary.

How does the pandemic's impact on work culture and collaboration affect industries like advertising and creative sectors?

The pandemic has raised concerns about the long-term impact on enterprise, culture, collaboration, and training. In industries like advertising and creative sectors, learning from colleagues and being around them in an office is crucial for development.

What changes are being observed in the construction and use of office spaces in light of the shift to remote work?

Fewer offices are being built, and many existing ones could potentially be converted to flats. As businesses and their staff adjust to the new normal, towns and cities may look very different.

What is the current norm regarding work arrangements in Australia post-pandemic?

In Australia, hybrid working has become the norm, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics finding that about 41% of people had been working at least one day from home in February 2021, up from around 24% a year prior.

How does the preference for working from home in Australia compare to pre-pandemic times?

There has been a significant increase and shift toward remote work in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that around 47% of people expected this to continue into the future, with only 11% thinking it would decline.

What are the potential long-term impacts of the hybrid work model on younger employees in terms of collaboration and development?

Younger employees may be more affected by the reduction in collaboration due to remote work, as they rely on being in the office to build connections and learn from colleagues, which is crucial for their development.

How do companies in Australia balance the need for flexibility with the necessity for collaboration and cost-saving?

Companies in Australia are seeking a balance between the flexibility of remote work, which employees desire, and the need for in-office collaboration. They are also looking to reduce office space while still meeting employees' needs.