Hybrid working and the ‘death of the office’: the future of the post-pandemic workplace
The COVID-19 pandemic may have generated widespread uncertainty but as we emerge from lockdown, one thing is clear, the workplace landscape is changing.
The government’s ‘work from home’ message forced employers to abruptly implement home-working. As a result both employers and employees realised different benefits attributable to home-working such as greater flexibility no commute and a reduction in overhead costs. However, the drawbacks of full-time home-working such as, lack of face-to-face interaction removal of the distinction between work and home life and decreased oversight of employee productivity also became apparent.
Certain commentators have suggested this means the ‘death of the office – but that is premature given the need to transition working practices to accommodate training, supervision and efficiency in this ‘new’ model. However, what all commentators do agree on is that a blend, in the form of ‘hybrid working’, is set to become the new working practice.
In this publication we look at what hybrid working is along with the considerations and practical guidance for organisations.
For further information please contact any member of the ALG Belfast Employment team.
Date published: 20 May 2021