Amy Fossum’s Post

This interesting article discusses the current dynamics in the workplace, marked by a tug-of-war between employers enforcing return-to-office (RTO) mandates and employees seeking #flexibility . The author highlights three reasons to reconsider mandatory office returns: the risk of losing top talent, a potential decline in employee #engagement leading to burnout and increased turnover, and the impact on #diversity , equity, and inclusion, particularly for underrepresented groups favoring remote options. The analysis underscores the evolving nature of work and the need for employers to #balance organizational goals with the well-being and preferences of their workforce. #homeoffice #newnormal #leadership

Good morning Network The realm of employment has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with a major shift towards remote work, office work, or a combination of both, leading to potential discrepancies between employee and employer expectations. As organizations increasingly urge their staff to come back to the physical workplace, there is growing speculation that covering employees' expenses could serve as a crucial factor in a competitive market. However, the question arises whether this could be seen as a step too far? Our blog offers guidance for companies striving to strike a balance between financial considerations and their dedication to their workforce teams. #hybridworking #wfh #changingworldofwork

So last week I put a poll out asking whether it was reasonable for employees to ask their employers to reimburse them for any increased cost incurred due to changes in the way the hybrid work policy would be managed. 44% voted 'no', 33% 'yes' and 23% 'it depends'. What does this tell us? Simply, that organisations will struggle to find a single solution that will suit an entire organisation given that 'flexibility' for each of us means completely different things. With 'right to disconnect' legislation due to come into law, macro-economic landscape leading to a cooling the employment market and general conservatism about the next 9-12 months, things aren't about to get any easier either. Compromise on both the employee and employer side is going to be crucial to ensure each feel they are getting what they need when it comes to working rhythms and therefore deliver the commercial outcomes organisations need. For employers, have a policy, be clear about what it is and what it means for people sure. Don't however forget to understand how this will impact people in your business and what the implications are. Managing to the policy absolutely will likely mean some people (including your best talent) may vote with their feet - is this the trade off you have to have to manage the whole effectively? For employees, don't get caught up in the immediate emotion of what you think you may be entitled too. The grass is not always greener and joining new organisations gives you less flexibility to find compromise. Are there ways you can find a compromise on how you manage your life away from the office that still allows you the flex you need if where you work generally provides you what you need? This topic shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. #workplaceflexibility #hybridworking #righttodisconnect #recruitmenttrends

📢New in from Gartner: the benefits of in-office work do not outweigh the risks of rigid RTO mandates. 🔹Lack of work-life balance ranks among the top reasons employees are quitting. High-performers, and millennials, who value flexibility, are the biggest flight risks. High-performing employees report a 16% lower intent to stay when faced with RTO mandates. 🔹While some benefits of in-office work exist, such as increased visibility for managers and ease of collaboration, the overall positive impact is minimal. 🔹Employees, especially women and millennials, report higher feelings of inclusion and better performance in remote environments. In a nutshell, these findings suggest that now is the time to embrace flexibility and involve your team in shaping their work environment for better engagement, performance, and retention. #RemoteWork #RTO #HybridWork #WorkLifeBalance

Under the Flexible Working Regulations, employees can request changes to their hours or work location, yet this doesn't guarantee approval. A recent case, Wilson v Financial Conduct Authority, illustrates the complexities employers face when handling such requests. In the case, Miss Wilson's request to work from home permanently was denied by her employer despite successful remote work during the pandemic. While the tribunal ruled in favour of the employer, it highlighted the importance of fair consideration and timely responses under the Regulations. Key Takeaways: ✅ Employers have broad discretion to reject flexible working requests, but they must be cautious of potential discrimination claims. ✅ The 'work from home vs. office' debate is a central issue in today's workplace, demanding individualised consideration. ✅ Flexibility in working arrangements is increasingly expected by employees and can impact recruitment and retention. ✅ Employers should carefully assess requests, especially those tied to protected characteristics, to avoid legal risks and maintain positive employee relations. How do you navigate flexible working issues in your business? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below. #mayhewemploymentlaw #employmentlawsouthwest #flexibleworking #workfromhome

Under the Flexible Working Regulations, employees can request changes to their hours or work location, yet this doesn't guarantee approval. A recent case, Wilson v Financial Conduct Authority, illustrates the complexities employers face when handling such requests. In the case, Miss Wilson's request to work from home permanently was denied by her employer despite successful remote work during the pandemic. While the tribunal ruled in favour of the employer, it highlighted the importance of fair consideration and timely responses under the Regulations. Key Takeaways: ✅ Employers have broad discretion to reject flexible working requests, but they must be cautious of potential discrimination claims. ✅ The 'work from home vs. office' debate is a central issue in today's workplace, demanding individualised consideration. ✅ Flexibility in working arrangements is increasingly expected by employees and can impact recruitment and retention. ✅ Employers should carefully assess requests, especially those tied to protected characteristics, to avoid legal risks and maintain positive employee relations. How do you navigate flexible working issues in your business? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below. #mayhewemploymentlaw #employmentlawsouthwest #flexibleworking #workfromhome

As organisations begin to request that their workforce return to the workplace, the question arises: should employers cover their employees' costs? It's a topic that has been hotly debated, and for good reason. In a competitive market, covering these costs could become a key differentiator. However, it's important for organisations to balance cost with a commitment to their teams. Our latest blog post lays out some sound advice for organisations facing this dilemma. Check it out and let us know your thoughts in the comments. #workplace #employeecosts #teamcommitment

Are you always on at work, even after hours? The blurred lines between work and home are becoming clearer as employees navigate remote work and constant connectivity. Stay informed about your rights as Labour proposes reforms, including a new "right to disconnect" to protect work-life balance. Will these changes become law, reshaping how we work and rest? Read more on this at The Hype Economy. #WorkLifeBalance #RightToDisconnect #LabourReforms

Flexibility remains a priority for workers, in contrast to the approaches of some business leaders over the last few years since lockdowns. Sarah McCann-Bartlett, the CEO of the Australian HR Institute (AHRI), says flexibility, including hybrid work, "promotes diversity in your workforce." She says that's something every workplace should be striving for, not just because it broadens the jobs pool. "You want your employees to actually reflect your customers and the general population," she says. https://ab.co/3RWJSzn #WFH #Flexibility #Recruiting #RemoteWork #EmploymentServices

Global workforce? Register 👇 https://lnkd.in/gM_hdyzt The rise of remote working coupled with advances in digital technology have increased workplace flexibility and, some would argue, fostered better work-life balance. But this trend does have its negative effects. Join Lockton where wellness and employment law experts discuss how employers are addressing this risk through policies and programs, and how governments around the world are beginning to regulate the right to disconnect through legislation.