The ex-M&S chief warns that remote work is hurting productivity and the economy
London: The former head of Marks and Spencer, Lord Rose, has raised some eyebrows lately. He’s saying that working from home is leading to a bunch of folks who aren’t really doing “proper work.” He shared his thoughts on BBC Panorama, suggesting that this trend is dragging down the UK economy and hurting productivity.
As the remote work debate heats up, big names like Amazon and JP Morgan are calling their employees back to the office. They believe that being in the same space is key to getting things done. But there’s a counterpoint from Prof Nicholas Bloom, who says a mix of home and office work can keep productivity levels high.
Lord Rose, who just stepped down from his role at Asda, feels like the UK has taken a step back in work culture. He thinks we’ve lost about 20 years of progress in just four years. That’s a pretty bold statement!
A recent survey showed that 26% of people are doing hybrid work, while 41% are back in the office full-time. It’s clear that the shift to remote work has changed the game for local businesses. Many offices are sitting empty, and some dry-cleaners have shut down. Interestingly, golf games during work hours have shot up by 350%—talk about mixing business with pleasure!
This whole working-from-home thing is becoming a hot topic. The government is even working on new laws to make it easier for employees to request remote work. But some employers, including government agencies, want everyone back in the office, arguing that face-to-face time is essential for teamwork.
At a record label, for instance, the founder has had to negotiate with younger staff who are used to remote work. He’s worried that not being in the office could hurt profits. He believes that building relationships is crucial in the music industry, and that’s best done in person.
Maya, a 25-year-old marketing manager, loves working with her more experienced colleagues. She finds it helpful to ask for advice. But she also needs her alone time to recharge, saying a full five days in the office would be too much for her.
Prof Bloom’s research suggests that younger workers should ideally be in the office four days a week to benefit from mentorship. However, he also found that many workers value the option to work from home two days a week as much as a pay raise.
Justin Madders, the employment rights minister, pointed out that working from home can boost productivity and economic growth. He believes that flexible work options can motivate employees and help companies grow.
While Prof Bloom isn’t fully sold on the productivity benefits of hybrid work, he agrees that allowing more remote roles could help bring people back into the workforce, especially those with caregiving responsibilities. It’s a win-win situation, he says.
Harleen, a mom who lost her job after having her second child, is hoping for more flexible work options. She’s been struggling to find a remote job that fits her family’s needs. She feels stuck in a routine and wants to be productive again.
Public sector productivity is at a low point, and some blame the rise of remote work. Since late 2023, civil servants have been asked to return to the office a few days a week, but there’s pushback from employees who prefer working from home.
Ed, an IT manager at the Office for National Statistics, has been working from home since the pandemic. He appreciates the flexibility it gives him to manage family commitments. He argues that productivity hasn’t been an issue for them, and he’s ready to fight for workers’ rights if needed.
Similar tensions are popping up in other public institutions, with unions ready to strike over return-to-office policies. The ONS believes that in-person interaction is vital for collaboration, but it’s clear that the traditional office setup is becoming a thing of the past.