Survey reveals how office life is set to change

Almost half of business leaders expect staff to split their time evenly between home and the workplace in the future, according to a new survey.

The survey by CBI/Ipsos MORI published on the eve of the CBI’s annual conference shows may companies predicting the adoption of hybrid home/office working patterns, with offices themselves being used more for team building with colleagues.

According to the survey, just over one quarter (28%) of businesses expect their staff to be working entirely working in an office from 2021 onwards.

Almost half (47%) expect staff to split their time evenly between home and the workplace.

On average, respondents expect their office space to reduce by 18% compared with the last time they were surveyed in 2019.

Respondents anticipate using significantly less space for desk-based activities and client meetings.

Opinion was more evenly balanced regarding other office uses, such as collaboration with colleagues, training and team-building.

The research also revealed some businesses are still weighing their options.

More than half of firms responding (56%) say their top priority for office locations beyond 2021 is staying at or near current office locations.

Many firms in the last six months have adopted home-working patterns as a result of the pandemic and government guidelines.

In August, a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) found 93% of respondents think their business will scale back office space over the next two years as working habits change in the aftermath of the pandemic.

‘Remote working has brought huge benefits,’ said the CBI’s deputy director-general, Josh Hardie.

‘It has not led to a collapse in productivity. Often lost travel time has disappeared, together with the stress and carbon emissions of the morning commute. Many local communities have been rediscovered.

‘Yet while Covid-19 may have triggered a mass migration from UK workplaces, talk of the death of the office is premature. They continue to offer real benefits, particularly for welcoming new staff, training and collaboration. So, a new, flexible balance must be found – the office will survive, but not as we know it.’

The chief executive of Ipsos MORI, Ben Page added: ‘In a few short months the pandemic has dramatically changed business life in the UK.  What our latest research shows is that while parts of the economy face massive disruption, elsewhere there are likely permanent positive changes. These include less commuting, more distributed work forces, a better carbon footprint, a re-imagining of offices, and potentially better quality of life for employees.’

Photo Credit – Free-Photos (Pixabay)