Invest to be part of home revolution
IN SO many ways the world cannot wait to get back to normal. A drink with friends, a hug from grandma, a haircut without the need for PPE.
When it comes to the office workplace, however, it is not so clear cut. Here, the months of lockdown have been a mixed bag of ruin and revelation.
Covid-19 has cut through revenues, destroyed business plans and cost people their jobs – but it has also shown that home working can be a benefit.
An office-based society such as Guernsey’s, dominated by the finance industry and the public sector, cannot afford to ignore that.
Rather than meekly return to normal – or even ‘near normal’ with social distancing – managers should be looking for what can be learned from the force majeure that saw offices empty overnight and staff scattered to their kitchen tables, spare rooms and, for the lucky ones, book-lined studies.
It does not work for everyone but employees around the world are reporting benefits.
More flexible hours, fewer distractions (for those without children at home), increased productivity, better privacy for those awkward calls, no commute, comfortable clothes and the ability to take that vital parcel delivery.
Added together, much of that can lead to increased job satisfaction and happier employees.
The challenge for businesses is to weigh up the benefits against the negatives, such as how to manage staff remotely and ensure they stay on track. Collaborative and creative work is difficult even with Microsoft Teams and some employees need the camaraderie and hubbub of a traditional office.
But handled well there are positives for the bottom line. Some island firms are already planning to reduce their office space, even with the prospect of social distancing and an end to hot-desking.
If Guernsey is to be part of that revolution it will take investment at all levels.
At the top level that means quality broadband for all. No one can work in a system that judders to a halt at key moments.
And just as the States has bought 400 laptops, 1,000 video conferencing and 250 VPN licences, businesses cannot expect efficiencies to just land in their laps.
Those willing to invest will reap the rewards.