Some people think working from home is causing a drop in proper work habits. The former boss of Marks & Spencer and Asda, Lord Rose, told BBC Panorama that remote work is harming productivity and the UK economy. He feels the country has gone backward in work practices over the last four years.
Many big companies, like Amazon and Boots, are now telling their employees to come back to the office every day. However, some experts say remote work, done the right way, can still be effective. For example, Professor Nicholas Bloom from Stanford University told the BBC that working three days in the office and two at home can be just as productive as working full-time in an office. But he added that young workers might need to spend more time in the office to learn from experienced colleagues.
The shift to home working has also affected local businesses. For example, office spaces are emptier, some dry-cleaners have closed down, and people are spending more time playing golf during the week. Still, surveys by the Office for National Statistics show a lot of people prefer hybrid work, where they split their time between home and the office.
Companies are also trying to figure out what works best. At a record label called Hospital Records, employees were asked to come to the office three days a week instead of two. The owner, Chris Goss, told the BBC that in-person work helps build relationships, which are important in the music business. Maya, a young marketing manager at the company, said being in the office helps her learn from others but admitted she would feel drained working there every day.
While some businesses see remote work as a problem, others see it as an opportunity. Minister Justin Madders told the BBC that flexible work could bring more people, like parents or caregivers, back into the workforce. For example, Harleen, a mother of two, has struggled to find a job that fits her family’s needs. She told the BBC that without flexible options, she feels stuck and unproductive.
Some public workers are fighting back against rules that force them into the office. At the Office for National Statistics in South Wales, union members are threatening to strike over such policies.
One worker, Ed, said working from home helps him manage his family life without losing productivity. He told the BBC that workers need to fight to keep these rights.
While there’s still debate about the pros and cons of remote work, one thing is clear: full-time office work for everyone may be a thing of the past.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qww8xdvnwo