A recent poll sparks debate on whether remote work counts as real work
London: Home working really took off during the COVID-19 pandemic. It changed how many of us work. Suddenly, we had more time without the daily commute.
Now, about a quarter of people globally work from home. But things are shifting again. Reports say that 70% of employers want workers back in the office, at least part-time.
This week, Lord Rose, a former big boss at Marks and Spencer, shared his thoughts. He believes working from home is making people less productive. He even said it’s hurting the UK economy.
A recent survey showed that 26% of UK workers are juggling both home and office work. Meanwhile, 13% are fully remote, and 41% are back in the office.
Working from home has changed local economies in both good and bad ways. Suburban areas are seeing more local business, but city offices are struggling. Vacant office spaces have nearly doubled, and many dry-cleaners and hospitality spots have closed.
The government is stepping in, looking to make it easier for employees to request remote work. They want to ensure that employers can’t easily say no.
There’s also concern for younger workers. Many have only worked from home and might miss out on important experiences. A report says that business leaders think young people have faced a “developmental dip” during the pandemic.
Interestingly, over half of employees aged 18 to 24 want to return to the office. That’s more than double the average for all workers. It seems they’re eager for that in-person experience.
Some experts worry that Generation Z might never know what it’s like to work in a traditional office. This could have long-term effects on their growth and development.
