Human Resources
Issue 4: The Pandemic changed the way we work. Hybrid working become standard for many companies. Choice and flexibility was embraced by employees, and employers were (with some notable exceptions), usually happy to comply. But there are signs that this is changing. Boots recently declared that office-based staff will be expected to work from the office, five days a week, from September. CEO Seb James declared he had “no doubt” that the office is the best place to work. He’s not alone. In a survey by KPMG last year, 63% of UK CEOs predicted a full return to in-office working by 2026. Some research indicates that four in ten companies have already implemented this. The key factor in these decisions is often the negative impact of remote working on company culture. Boots CEO Seb James said, ““The informal conversations, brief catch-ups and ability to meet in groups in person has been far more effective – and better for our unique Boots culture – than the enforced formality of remote meet...