Survey: Parents prefer remote working

The majority of working parents in the United Kingdom do not want to return to pre-pandemic office-based ways of managing their jobs, according to a survey.

Research conducted by childcare provider Bright Horizons has shown that just 13 percent want to return to ordinary office conditions and the daily commute to work.

It showed that the novel coronavirus-caused lockdown has given people a chance to sample new ways of balancing their jobs and personal lives and has created a desire for change.

The survey of 1,500 people suggests that many employees realize that large parts of their jobs can be conducted remotely, with most saying they would prefer to spend a maximum of three days in the office.

Of those who worked in an office before lockdown, 48 percent said they were considering asking for some more remote working.

Remote working tools such as Zoom have kept many businesses functioning even as physical workplaces have been shut down.

The research indicated nearly two-thirds think their employers will be open to remote or flexible working in the future.

"This could be a pivotal moment in determining how jobs work in future," said Jennifer Liston-Smith, head of thought leadership at Bright Horizons.

"But companies and organizations need to seize the moment by ensuring that jobs are as flexible and human-sized as possible in future."

Almost one in four said a more flexible working life would have a positive impact on them and make sense for their employers.

And there is no strong appetite to work less hours, as just 21 percent favor a reduction in time spent on the job.

More than half of respondents — 53 percent — believe flexibility would increase their productivity, and well over half — 58 percent — agree that it would increase their loyalty.

Most of those surveyed — almost four-fifths — said their employers had been sympathetic to their needs to manage both work and childcare.

"Our findings show that most line managers and businesses have really stepped up to the plate to help their staff find ways of balancing the demands of family and work during lockdown," said Liston-Smith.

A previous survey by video conferencing platform Whereby showed 65 percent of businesses said they will downsize or change office space once the lockdown is lifted.

Oyvind Reed, chief executive of Whereby, said: "Remote working is not something people fear nor wish to resist: employees and decision-makers alike are recognizing and embracing its benefits."

Some small-to-medium enterprises have already decided to leave their offices permanently and adopt a working from home policy for their staff post-lockdown.

Chief executive of Bishopsgate Financial, Mike Hampson said his company will allow all its 18 employees to work from home with staff meetings just a few times a month.