Has Working From Home Lost Its Mojo?
After close to two years of remote work due to the pandemic, the workplace landscape is changing again.
Companies like Disney and Microsoft are calling their employees back to the office, emphasising the
importance of in-person connections.
We explore the evolving workplace dynamics and the upside and challenges of work-from-home policies.
What Is the Upside of Working From Home?
As the number of employees working remotely or using their homes as a working base increases,
businesses are reaping various benefits from this flexible approach. Some advantages of remote work
include:
Flexibility and Agility
With remote work, employees can work flexible hours without being tied to a physical office. They can
work from any location or time zone, so businesses can have all hands on deck all year round.
Deliveroo, the food delivery company, adapted to the work-from-home model for its corporate employees
during the pandemic, ensuring their safety while maintaining efficient operations.
Enhanced Staff Motivation
As the world adapted to the challenges brought on by the pandemic, many companies had to rethink their
business strategies and operations.
Booking.com responded to the pandemic by enabling remote work for a significant portion of its workforce
in the UK. Their digital-focused operations and investment in technology made it easier for employees to
maintain their drive while continuing to provide customer support and booking services.
Improved Staff Health and Well-Being
Eliminating the stressful daily commute benefits employees' health and mental well-being. Staff can start
work and clock out on time from any location, get more rest and quality family time, and find time to take
care of themselves physically and mentally.
Work From Home Challenges — The Dynamic Landscape of Remote Work in UK Hospitality
Although remote work has gained popularity, offering employees greater flexibility and work-life balance,
some companies have decided to cancel remote work arrangements for various reasons.
As we explore the stories of some renowned brands, we'll witness how they navigated the remote work
realm and found positive twists amidst the trials.
1. Adapting Sales Strategies
At Skyline Hotels & Resorts, the sales team faced a unique test. Building strong connections with clients
and showcasing the allure of their luxurious properties relied heavily on on-site visits. The shift to remote
work left them pondering how to maintain this experience virtually.
This unique challenge, however, led to a breakthrough in business operations. The company introduced
virtual property tours with stunning visuals and interactive features using modern technology. Clients
could now explore the elegance of Skyline's properties from the comfort of their homes.
2. Virtual Collaboration
Lloyds Banking Group, a major financial institution in the UK, quickly adapted to remote work during the
pandemic. The company invested in remote working technology and communication tools to ensure
seamless virtual collaboration among employees. They established guidelines for remote work practices
and offered support to employees, including mental health resources and flexible work arrangements.
3. Pioneering the Flexi-Friday
Deloitte, one of the UK's largest audit firms, has redefined Fridays as "Flexi-Fridays." This initiative allows
Deloitte employees to choose where they work, whether from home, client site, or office. By focusing on
outcomes rather than physical presence, Deloitte is championing a new work paradigm that values results
and flexibility.
4. Employee Safety
Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company, implemented remote work policies to ensure
employee safety during the pandemic. The company provided remote work options for roles that could be
performed remotely, using digital tools to enable effective communication and project management.
Unilever also offered guidance on maintaining work-life balance while working from home.
The Future of Remote Work
As the dust settles and the world gradually returns to normalcy, remote job postings are slowly decreasing,
with employers increasingly favouring on-site work arrangements. In search of a better work-life balance,
some individuals are expanding their job searches beyond their local areas, seeking hybrid work models
that combine remote and in-person work.
Still, the main challenge appears to be a misunderstanding between employers who feel productivity is
compromised and employees who feel working from home is less stressful. Hybrid working models can
help solve these challenges, and with the continuing shift to virtual workspaces, working from home will
have a place in the modern office.