21.01.2025

The Covid-19 pandemic transformed how we work, with remote and hybrid working becoming the norm for millions. But as the world moves on, a new question has emerged: should we still be working from home?

Last night’s Panorama episode ‘Should We Still Be Working from Home?’, explored the growing divide between employers pushing for a return to the office and employees who value the flexibility of remote work.

As highlighted in the programme, this debate is not just about where we work - it’s about the future of our towns and cities, productivity, employee wellbeing, and organisational culture. High-profile examples from the UK demonstrate just how divisive this issue has become.

Recent UK cases: a growing divide

The Panorama episode spotlighted the challenges and tensions arising from return-to-office (RTO) policies, with many companies making headlines recently:

  • Starling Bank: The new CEO’s push for more in-office working has led to significant staff resignations. Employees cited insufficient desk space as a key issue, underlining the importance of considering logistical realities alongside policy changes.
  • Asda: The retail giant’s shift to stricter RTO requirements has prompted debates about how operational goals can align with employee needs for flexibility.
  • Starbucks: Adopting a hybrid approach in the UK, Starbucks balances collaboration with employee satisfaction, showcasing a middle-ground solution.
  • Amazon: While globally moving towards stricter RTO policies, Amazon’s UK operations continue to explore a more flexible approach, reflecting regional complexities.

These cases reflect broader trends with businesses seeking increased collaboration, control and productivity through in-office working, and employees resisting the loss of flexibility they’ve come to value so highly.

What does this mean for your organisation?

For employers, the return-to-office debate is about more than policies. It’s about managing change, maintaining trust, and striking the right balance between business needs and employee preferences.

Key considerations include:

  • Engage with employees: Conduct surveys, such as pulse surveys or annual employee engagement surveys, to understand employee preferences and concerns. This approach not only helps you make informed decisions but also ensures employees feel heard and involved in the process.
  • Retain top talent: In a competitive labour market, workplace flexibility can be a make-or-break factor for employees, influencing retention and recruitment.
  • Foster collaboration and innovation: In-person working can enhance teamwork and idea-sharing, but it must be balanced with employee wellbeing and satisfaction.
  • Prevent resistance and disputes: Clear communication and fair implementation of policies are essential to maintain morale and avoid conflicts, including industrial action.

How Make UK can help

At Make UK, our team specialises in helping organisations navigate complex workplace challenges like this. With expertise in employment law, HR consultancy, and change management, we can support your organisation in the following ways:

  • Conducting employee surveys: Our surveys provide valuable insights into employee preferences, helping you craft tailored RTO policies and bring staff on the journey with you.
  • Facilitating employee forums and focus groups: Collaborate with your teams to co-create solutions that align with business goals and employee needs.
  • Delivering visioning workshops: These workshops help you define and align your future workplace strategies, bringing clarity and direction to your RTO approach.
  • Crafting effective RTO policies: We ensure your policies are fair, legally compliant, and aligned with your objectives.
  • Enhancing communication strategies: Clear, empathetic messaging is critical during transitions, and we’ll help you get it right.
  • Providing tailored training: Equip your managers with the skills needed to lead hybrid or in-office teams effectively.

Learn more about these services on our Attracting and Retaining Talent page.

What’s next for the world of work?

The Panorama episode sparked an important conversation about the future of work. As businesses adapt to changing employee expectations and operational demands, the right approach will look different for every organisation.

If you’re facing challenges related to return-to-office policies or workplace change, our HR Consultancy team is here to help you. Simply call us on 0808 168 5874 or email [email protected].