Deloitte Works aimed at keeping the flexibility of remote working
STAFF at Deloitte have been given the choice of working remotely or at the office – with client preferences and specific engagements also factored in.
Hybrid working is now the new normal at the professional services firm both in the UK and locally in the wake of the pandemic that saw people across business sectors required to work from home during lockdowns.
‘Deloitte’s offices in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Gibraltar are part of the UK firm and our colleagues here will also have the choice of working remotely or at the office,’ said Marc Cleeve, Deloitte’s people and purpose partner for the Channel Islands.
‘The hybrid approach, Deloitte Works, is aimed at keeping the flexibility of remote working, without losing the opportunities for collaboration that we need to make a difference for our clients, our people and for society.’
The firm was exploring how hybrid working changed how it worked with clients. ‘We are often required to be on site with our clients and our approach will depend on the nature of specific engagements and client preferences,’ he said.
The hybrid model also aligned with a commitment to create an inclusive workplace, supporting wellbeing, and meeting climate promises. It was underpinned by Deloitte’s digital capabilities, said Mr Cleeve.
‘This approach offers our people choice of when, where and how they work. The needs and lifestyles of our colleagues in the four offices will all be different, but we trust them to deliver their best work in a way that works for them and our clients.’
Nadine Cockburn, senior manager in Deloitte’s audit and assurance team in Guernsey, said the firm had always had a progressive approach to agile working – which was always of interest to recruits at all stages of their career.
‘Our new joiners have flexibility without losing access to Deloitte’s world class training programmes and the opportunity to work closely with senior members of the team,’ she said.
‘As an employee I feel trusted and valued, which is incredibly motivating, and whilst in Guernsey most of us don’t have a long commute, the Deloitte Works initiative gives us the best of both worlds. Being in the office is fantastic for collaboration but tasks which require complete focus can be easier to get done in a different environment.’
A recent national staff survey revealed 81% of respondents anticipated working from a Deloitte office for up to two days a week in the future. The research also showed that 96% of Deloitte’s people wanted to have the freedom to choose how flexibly they will work in the future.
In addition, 86% of respondents ranked ‘collaborating with team colleagues’ and ‘interacting with others’ within their top three ways they envisage using the office in the future.
