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Sophie Forrest, of Forrest HR has collated a blend between office and home working
some thoughts on flexible working and how to when we return to the workplace. To ensure
create structures to manage blended working. that this happens successfully, it’s going to
be up to business owners, managers and HR
Should work become more flexible? professionals to put in place the necessary
The pandemic has proved to many businesses structures.
(that might have previously felt reluctant to This will include practicalities, such as:
allow their staff to work remotely) that a virtual
workplace can be successful, prompting • Making sure that employees whose areas
calls from many employees to maintain some of business are heavily reliant upon each
element of remote working in future. other overlap
And it’s not just employees who are leading • Deciding how many days per week you’re
the calls; some notable companies have also going to need your staff to be in your
gone on the record and stated that they’re place of work
going to push for a more flexible way of
working. • Ensuring there are enough resources
available (work stations, equipment etc)
One employer who’s taken this stance is PwC, for the rota that you decide on.
who are not only calling for a change in where
we work, but also in when we work. The Ultimately, with the right arrangements in
consultancy firm has won headlines by place, as well as a collaborative approach
announcing that, once restrictions are eased, between you and your staff and effective
their employees will be able to dictate whether communication, you should be able to manage
they work remotely or in-person, as well as the the return to work effectively to ensure an
hours that they want to work. engaged, happy, productive workforce.
However, not all businesses are on board with
this new way of working. In February, the CEO Is a four-day week right for your business?
of Goldman Sachs, David Soloman, dismissed It remains to be seen whether a four-day week
the idea that the future of working will be is the solution to the changing 21st century
virtual, berating it as an ‘aberration that we’re workplace or not.
going to correct as soon as possible’. But, what is certain is that small businesses
The stark contrast between the two companies will have to keep an open mind.
shows that no one is really sure what the They’ll need to ensure they accommodate
future will look like for UK employees in a increasing changes in technology from
post-pandemic world. a business perspective, whilst keeping
the overall focus on employee health and
Creating structures to manage blended wellbeing to maintain productivity, a healthy
working work-life balance and engagement.
If your area of business permits it, the
likelihood is that most of your staff will opt for www.breathehr.com
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