The coronavirus pandemic raises many questions about the future workplace

With social distancing measures in place for the foreseeable, companies are re-evaluating what the workplace may look like in the future.

• Will face-to-face meetings and business travel be thing of the past?
• How much office space is needed as staff can carry out their daily tasks from their homes?  The BBC reported on Barclays long term ‘location strategy’,  which stated have expensive offices based in financial hubs in the city ‘may be a thing of the past’.

Future of work

Before the outbreak of coronavirus, the ONS reported that less than 30% of the UK worked from home. With the majority of workers now forced to work remotely, will businesses be more open to agile and flexible working going forward?

I posed this question on LinkedIn…

‘What is the one change made in working practice during lockdown you would retain?’  and we got some great responses.

From reduced travel time, better work life balance, using technology effectively for meetings, to less fresh food wastage as at home!

Exit strategy

The UK Government shared details of its exit strategy at the weekend to outline plans for businesses to open their doors again.

Many businesses have also been reviewing how they operate as they prepare for the developing economic downturn.

Supporting your Managers & Employees return to work

More than 60 percent of Brits are feeling uncomfortable about going out in public after lockdown is lifted.  Whether that’s using public transport or going to bars & restaurants.

According to the Ipsos Mori Poll, around a third of those in work said they feel nervous about returning.

To help support your managers and employees with this transition we have produced Return to Work Support Pack.

Things to consider….

• Have you spoken to your employees about how they feel returning to work?  If you are a larger organisation have you considered a survey to enable you to cover off potential issues?
• Have you got a designated Mental Health First Aider?

Contact admin@breathingspacehr.co.uk for your free Return to Work Support Pack and for any other HR advice and support you might need.