A lot of words to say “we must preserve the value of commercial property” without actually saying that

APanthonypainter.bsky.socialSep 18, 2024 5:49am

Quite frankly, if this editorial represents the default view of British business then the Government's employment legislation on flexible working needs to be far tougher than I had thought. In essence argues we should harm worker well-being for no productivity gain. www.thetimes.com/article/7a6f...

The Times view on flexible working: Shirking from Home?

Labour’s proposal to make hybrid working a mandatory option for all employees could harm business and productivity

15 years ago, I worked on a project for a bank to reduce desk space by 25%. A desk was a recharge of £12k p.a., so managers incentivised. Aim was to sublet the space. WFH, go to office, up to you, work is what you do, not where you do it. Holidays meant never a complete team anyway. Target exceeded

Some high level mental gymnastics are required to hold the belief that all workers are intrinsically going to slack off, yet in an office environment they'll magically become productive, inspired, creative geniuses.

My employer announced their “back to the office” mandate through an interview with The Times first, rather than direct to staff. So yes, this tracks

I’m working at home today. I had the laptop on at 06.30 and have got twice as much done as I would in my office and without being sat on the M6 commuting. Time for coffee and toast and then back at it for a few more hours. Nothing us popped up that can’t be sorted via email or Teams. #hybrid

Also, a lot of companies _want_ to get rid of expensive offices regardless of what commercial property owners think. They're a huge cost to the business, and if you don't have an office for them, you get to pass a big pile of costs onto your staff.

things have been tough in the UK lately

Protecting incumbency and established business who cannot be botherred to manage their physical estate more efficiently. Imagine the productivity gains associated with massively reducing rent costs alone.

I’m always intrigued by the workplace this sort of piece imagines: a place staffed with passionate folks who need in-person interactions to catalyse creativity and innovation, yet also full of incorrigible layabouts who must be watched like a hawk at all times lest they inevitably slack off.

It's not just that; the newspapers are desparate to keep people commuting as most of their paper copies are sold to commuters...

"...and a future for wealthy children"