​Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have been working from home. I believe that is aided by the advance in technology; it is easy to keep in touch with your colleagues and it has also given me more time in the morning for much needed workouts and time to enjoy some of the sunny evenings we have been having as of late, without being stuck in the dreaded ‘rush hour’ traffic. 

These are the little things that I am now taking for granted. However, with more and more people being vaccinated and everything starting to go back to normal, I keep thinking to myself, are we going to see companies and employees return to the office 5 days a week?

I recently conducted a poll on LinkedIn based on peoples thoughts about working from home and returning to the office. This was of interest as I know a lot of companies are now taking a hybrid approach to working.

Working in the world of recruitment it is important for us to be able to give our clients insight into the market, the approach other companies are taking and how the candidate market feels. Within my markets, I have been made aware that the highest proportion of at-home workers are in finance and insurance sector, at 73% (source:https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/industry-news/highest-proportion-of-at-home-workers-are-in-finance-insurance/). Accordingly, many companies in these sectors have announced plans for a hybrid or fully flexible work.

In turn, a whopping 77% of the votes revealed they would prefer a hybrid model with only 2% wanting to return to the office full time.

I have to admit at first it was very strange not having to get up, travel into the office, make my lunch the day before etc. However, now I couldn’t imagine a future without a balanced model.

I understand that for some people going into the office is the much needed escape. Yet, my personal opinion is that a hybrid model is the way forward. It gives people the opportunity to have a better work-life balance, being able to go into the office to catch up with colleagues and a change of scenery but also giving people the much deserved time that they didn’t even know they needed pre-Covid. Another bonus is that it is definitely helping with sustainability, the environment and working towards a greener future.

I am grateful that I am part of such a supportive company with a great culture, which embraces the hybrid model. Finitas ensure that we always have regular catch-ups as a team and companywide, to welcome new starters and to offer support to all. But this does bring to question, what is your personal preference? Do you think employees should be granted the freedom of choice, or do you believe office based work should be regulated companywide?

Please do get in touch with your thoughts at info@finitas.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you’d like any help in your job search or would like to discuss your hiring needs, please get in touch today via our contact page, linked here: https://www.finitas.co.uk/about