As more restrictions come into force to combat the coronavirus, a global survey by law firm CMS found that nearly half (46%) of the 1,500 employees who took part felt that a mixture of home and office would provide the best work environment for continued productivity. In addition, only a third (32%) thought going back into the office full time was the best option.

With all the uncertainly surrounding the virus, blending office and home working is seen by many as a short to mid-term solution.

But the office environment does still have its place, especially when it comes to human interaction, motivation and continued enthusiasm from employees. 46% of those surveyed agreed.

So, for all employers, there is a balancing to be done in terms of keeping staff safe, but also providing them with the human interaction they need to stay focused and motivated.

Despite the pandemic highlighting this need for working flexibility, this was a trend that was happening before the virus struck. Technology was changing our lives and the way we worked. The rise of the ‘gig economy’ and freelancers sat in coffee bars working away was growing, as people looked to quit the 9-to-5 and look at rebalancing their lives.

The move to more flexibility will no doubt stay for the mid-long term. Offices should now look to re-design and refurnish their offices so that employees can return to meet, swap ideas, learn from their peers and create working relationships and create a happy, yet flexible, environment.

Pride in People.