Professor Nicholas Bloom has ignited a debate about the productivity of hybrid working models, asserting that spending three days in the office each week is just as productive as being fully office-based. This statement comes amidst a shifting landscape of work habits in the United Kingdom. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in December 2024, 26% of UK workers reported hybrid-working, while 13% were fully remote, and 41% remained fully office-based. This divergence in working styles raises questions about the future of work and its impact on the economy.
The pandemic has significantly altered the traditional office setting, with industry estimates indicating that vacant office space has nearly doubled since the pandemic's onset. This shift has affected various businesses, including dry-cleaning services, which have seen a quarter of their operations shut down. Interestingly, the number of golf games played during the working week has surged by 350%, suggesting changing leisure habits among workers.
Lord Rose, a prominent figure in the business community, argues that working from home contributes to what he perceives as a "general decline" in the UK economy. He believes that the country's working practices and productivity have regressed by two decades in just four years. Yet, Prof Bloom's research provides a counter-narrative. He indicates that workers value the flexibility of working from home two days a week as much as an 8% pay raise.
Despite this, companies like Amazon, Boots, and JP Morgan mandate daily attendance for their head office staff. Prof Bloom suggests that young employees in their teens and early 20s should be present in the office at least four days a week to benefit from mentorship opportunities. The ONS echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that "face-to-face interaction" fosters collaboration, innovation, and stronger working relationships.
Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders adds another dimension to the discussion by highlighting a growing body of evidence that supports the productivity of remote work. The UK government is currently legislating to bolster employees' rights to request remote work, reflecting a shift towards accommodating diverse work preferences.
The debate on productivity is further fueled by individual perspectives. Ed, a worker, emphasizes that there has been no indication from senior leaders at the ONS about any issues with productivity or quality. He views this moment as a unique opportunity to advocate for workers' rights.
"We've never been told by senior leaders at the ONS that there is a problem with productivity, there's a problem with quality, there's a problem with meeting deadlines." – Ed
"We will never see this opportunity again. We have to fight for workers' rights." – Ed
Maya, another employee, appreciates the flexibility offered by hybrid work models. She values being able to seek help from colleagues who are further along in their careers and acknowledges the need for remote work to recharge her social energy.
"There's a lot of people in my team that are a lot further along in their career, so if I need help with something, you know, I can just ask someone." – Maya
"because my social battery drains and I need sometimes to be just at home and just to smash out loads of admin" – Maya
Harleen expresses frustration over the lack of flexible job opportunities and the monotony of her daily routine as a mother. She yearns for more productivity beyond her role at home.
"I am not seeing those jobs advertised. I'm not seeing anything that caters to that flexibility" – Harleen
"Every day I wake up and I'm thinking I'm living in Groundhog Day. All I'm doing is being a mother. I enjoy being a mum, but I want productivity. I start to feel like I'm just being brain dead." – Harleen
Chris Goss from the music industry underscores the importance of in-person interactions for building meaningful relationships.
"I firmly believe that the music industry is all about relationships, and so the one single way for any of us to be able to build those kind of meaningful relationships is to do it in person." – Chris Goss
Prof Bloom remains optimistic about hybrid work models.
"That is a huge boost" and "kind of a win, win, win", because people would be able to work in better conditions, contribute to tax revenue and "everyone gains" – Prof Nicholas Bloom