Jack Parsons’ Post

The shift towards flexibility in the workplace reflects the evolving needs of employees. As technology advances, it's crucial employers prioritise human well-being and adaptability over rigid traditional norms. #HybridWork #EmpathyInBusiness.

We don't require individuals to come to the office though we encourage it for some activities. I'd be keen to hear what others are doing

I actually dread to think how badly the cost of living crisis would be affecting many people if they had to pay for transport into offices daily again. I also feel massively for those who have no choice but to travel to their place of work daily, like NHS workers for example. By retaining hybrid working, employers are actively supporting their employees through what are very challenging times for many. That said, I love my office based days with my team. They're great for bonding and for mental health, getting out, getting dressed up, and being different to the person we are in our own home, that's all positive stuff.

I don't think the landscape has evolved; that's the thing. The pandemic, to many, was a temporary inconvenience, not a behaviour change. The goal for these companies was always to have people back in the office full-time; it's the only way they'll ever justify their million-pound offices, bloated middle management and toxic environments - we're family, remember? It disregards the access needs and wellbeing of the people(not employees) who work for these companies. We're constantly being told that we're in the midst of a mental health crisis, a burnout epidemic, but when it comes to doing anything about we're offered the same tired platitudes as before but very few solutions. It's strange; the old adage was "a happy employee is a productive employee", but this correlation now seems missing from the balance sheet.

I agree. We've sought to get a balance between independent working, mental health and ensuring that the exchange of ideas still goes on. We're a 4 day week company and we encourage the team to be in 2 days a week, or to at least have contact with another team member. During lockdown we found the effect on mental health, especially the junior team members who didn't have spare rooms to work in was huge. They were the team members who were losing out most on learning from their more experienced colleagues. I value my days working at home though, better to get my head down

Heard a great quote from Scott Galloway the other day on The Diary Of A CEO "Show me a company which is imposing a back to office policy, and I'll show you a CEO who is rich enough to live somewhere nice near work and pay for someone to look after their children!" Staff behaviour tends to mirror the work culture/environment. If you treat staff like adults they'll generally behave as such, show them little respect and they'll take the proverbial when they can!

Sometimes progression isn’t progression. The fact is the stats are in and home workers have less productivity … that’s just a fact . It doesn’t foster creativity, in fact studies show the opposite, being around creative people fosters that Also fully remote roles are isolating , gets in the way of new starters or graduates ability to learn and catch up with their senior peers . It impacts social skills, productivity and one’s ability to learn. Best model is hybrid. Also if a company wnats fullt in the office that’s what they want. Who are we to tell them what they should do. Kid all you ever do is preach kidness and empathy. Honestly maybe push logic and pragmatism sometimes. Everyone of your posts is the same message God forbid people have to work five days and more than eight hours and be in the office … violins … how hard we have it in England in 2023. Have a bit of toughness about you mate, seriously it’s too much sometimes.

I see where you're coming from with the need for flexibility in today's work environment. A hybrid approach can certainly help boost creativity and cater to diverse preferences. However, for some businesses, there's value in having a team physically present for collaboration and building company culture. It's a balance. Also, likening employees to "AI puppets" feels a bit off. Everyone's trying to adapt in their own way, and it's crucial to find common ground. #HybridFuture #EmpathyInBusiness

I think flexibility is key to recruitment and retention and whilst I accept it may not be right very every business care needs to be taken with blanket rules. Work is something you do not somewhere you go. If your management style can not cope with remote workers I suggest you reflect on why that is. I am sure there are people abusing the system but if you are not watching productivity you are a poor manager. If you need 1000 letters typed a day by a person and a person is doing that to the required time and quality that is what is important to your business. If they have capacity to do 3000 and you only ask for or expect 1000 again it’s a management issue not a worker issue.

Coming from an education background I completely agree! Unfortunately in education it has become very much business as usual since the pandemic despite proving flexibility even in a school setting was possible. I understand the need for face to face teaching and how important it is for students to be in school not just to receive their education but to help build their emotional and social development too. However there are so many ways flexibility can be brought in for examples moving meetings online so staff have the option to avoid busy commutes and manage childcare responsibilities. I personally found parentings meetings were much better when done virtually and this benefited both the teacher and parents. There’s many options for many settings and flexibilitly is definitely the answer