Working from home – the new normal?

Page Kirk's RACHAEL COBB argues that we may be seeing a fundamental shift in the way people work. Is it time for employers to embrace it?

COVID-19 has forced all businesses to change the way they operate, with many employees working at home for over three months now. I'm sure that many of us have been adapting to the change. Some of us may be sitting at home in our comfy clothes and slippers in familiar and relaxing surroundings, while others may be working and simultaneously keeping their kids entertained 24 hours a day.

Although here are some negatives for business owners in having their staff from working from home, these can easily be addressed. Here are a few common problems and suggestions for how to tackle them.

1. “My employees seem to lack motivation…”

Set staff new targets each week/month of what you would expect them to achieve, whether it's better performance, completing things in a quicker timeframe or even a more tidy piece of work.

2. “I'm not sure what my staff are doing…”

Create workplans and give staff set tasks to achieve. It is best to plan this in with their manager, while having regular catch-ups in terms of their progress – just as you would in the office.

3. “We don't see each other and communicate…”

Use interactive tools such as Zoom and Teams, as well as email. Don't lose contact and always keep talking about the business as a whole.

There are also many positives that lockdown can achieve, including:

1. Ability to see who is excelling in their efforts at working alone

This may result in promotion or an opportunity for the individual to train others to their own quality standards.

2. Time and space to revaluate the business model that once was

Allowing us to change the model and think of other scenarios that might prove to be a challenge in the future.

3. Time to spend on new projects

As we are not travelling to the office daily, we have additional time. Some may spend it working, others by doing chores. In turn, this will improve productivity, as staff will work longer hours, or, be less tired without their commute.

While we know working from home is the current normal, do you want it to become a more permanent new normal? There could be many advantages.

1. Staff will be less stressed when having commitments in work hours, as they would be able to work around these.
2. Office costs will be cut, if areas of the building no longer need electricity and lighting.
3. Office space could be reduced with agile working, which could reduce rent costs.
4. We may see positive effects on employee health.
5. Staff morale may be higher, thanks to the trust shown in their home working. In turn, this may lead to increased loyalty.

Even for businesses that still have doubts, the financial rewards are a strong incentive to make the move to more flexible working. See our previous article about tax relief and working from home or contact Page Kirk to discuss the implications by emailing enquiries@pagekirk.co.uk or calling 0115 955 5500.