Nine months later - are you back in the office?
In our last article about the return to the office, we considered whether you might want to return to the office, or consider a career change that would enable you to continue working from home. So, nine months on, what’s going on?
Hard to believe as it is, it’s over a year since the easing of the lockdown restrictions. Whilst some embraced the idea of being able to get back to the office, many weren’t so sure. With that in mind, big organisations made bold promises of hybrid working solutions and of employees being allowed to carry on working from home.
Where are we now?
However, by April this year, The Financial Times was reporting that numbers of those returning to the office had stalled and business leaders were concerned about the number of people who wanted to continue to work from home.
To some extent, this is reflected by ONS research released in May this year, that “the proportion of workers hybrid working has risen from 13% in early February 2022 to 24% in May 2022.” However, the research also found “The percentage working exclusively from home has fallen from 22% to 14% in the same period,” perhaps as a reflection of pressure by some organisations for workers to return to the office full time.
Interestingly, the same research also found that:
More than three-quarters (78%) of those who worked from home in some capacity said that it gave them an improved work life balance.
Half reported it was quicker to complete work (52%) and that they had fewer distractions (53%).
Almost half also reported improved well-being (47%).
The disadvantages of working from home were reported as isolation and missing out as well as employees finding:
Fewer job opportunities.
It was harder to work with others.
Where does that leave you?
Perhaps during lock down your circumstances changed. Perhaps you got a dog, moved home because you didn’t need to commute, or just got used to being able to spend more time with the kids? Maybe you’ve just found that you have a better life balance or are just more productive when working from home. Maybe you enjoy the extra time and money saved by not commuting or just don’t want to go back to office politics.
Is there an alternative?
Yes, there is! Our educational franchises offer quite a unique opportunity which allows you to work with others whilst working from home. You’ll be running your own business but using a tried and tested business model and with lots of practical and technical support. You can set your own hours and financial goals, but also have a chance to create a bit of a legacy and give back to your community.
Working with the team at MagiKats HQ and your fellow franchisees will offer that chance to interact with your work peers, as and when you feel you need that contact and support.
And of course, working flexibly you can start to readdress that all important life balance.
We’d love to hear from you so that we can tell you more about our flexible business opportunities and what’s involved. So, if you’re thinking about a change or wishing there was another way, get in touch.