Out of Lockdown - Business Challenge for Employers

As we emerge from lockdown restrictions, employers face a number of business challenges.

Flexible working models have gained momentum as businesses have adapted to the changes brought on by the pandemic.

For many businesses, hybrid working models are becoming the norm, with the number of employees engaged within home or flexible working growing exponentially during the COVID crisis.

Evidence suggests that future work models will be based on a combination of work structures, which will require high-level organisational agility, flexibility and adaptability.

In many cases, businesses are likely to adopt a combination of remote working and office-based roles, with flexibility at an individual level that allows employees to work efficiently.

This change is being driven as much by demand from employees as by benefits to the business.

However, it is important to recognise that not every business may be able or willing to adopt such a radical approach, and so we are likely to see a wide spectrum of change.

The challenge for businesses is to reach the point where there is a balance between the needs and requirements of employees and their impact on business performance.

Difficult business decisions will need to be made and to be explained with clarity and compassion to staff. Unfortunately, some businesses will need to make redundancies.

How we can help

Given the complexity and ever-changing nature of working practices, businesses should seek professional advice so they understand all the legal implications.

We have produced some useful guides – just click on each to read: