A new survey has found that
53% of companies say their intended level of workplace use in the
long-term is lower than before the pandemic. More
than a quarter of office-based organisations say they plan to significantly
increase working from home.
The research, by the UK’s
Institute of Directors, reveals that 44 per cent of the 958 British companies
polled said that working from home was proving more effective than their
previous set-up.
Roger Barker, the IoD’s director of policy, said: “Remote
working has been one of the most tangible impacts of coronavirus on the
economy. For many, it could be here to stay."
He added, “The benefits of the office haven’t gone
away. For many companies, bringing teams together in person proves more
productive and enjoyable. Shared workspace often provides employees the
opportunity for informal development and networking that is so crucial,
particularly early on in a career."
The IoD warned that the prospect of increased
home-working over the long-term could raise legal questions around employers'
responsibilities for staff outside the office.
Barker said, “Working from doesn’t work for
everyone, and directors must be alive to the downsides. Managing teams remotely
can prove far from straightforward, and directors must make sure they are going
out of their way to support employees’ mental wellbeing.”