A survey of 100 business leaders by the capital’s leading business membership group London First shows that many firms have already begun the process of bringing their staff back to the workplace, with a gradual step up in numbers expected from September onwards. But caution remains, with the vast majority of firms having taken extra health and safety measures to make their workplaces COVID-secure, including a quarter requiring staff to wear face masks.
The survey, carried out July 27 – 30, found that most businesses (74%) already have a small percentage of staff (0 – 20%) back, while just 7% have no one back. The overwhelming majority of firms intend to retain a base in the capital, with 42% retaining all of their workspace and 41% considering less workspace while remaining committed to a lease.
The vast majority of firms have already made their workplaces COVID-secure (78%) or are in the process of doing so (18%). This includes redesigning office spaces (86%), introducing one-way systems (81%%), closing communal spaces (67%), staggering work times (43%), and requiring staff to wear facemasks (26%). But the biggest barriers for staff returning are concerns over-using public transport (95%) and childcare (68%).
London First today urges the Government, the Mayor’s office, and Transport for London (TfL) to provide consistent, and clear messaging, and real-time data to enable commuters to plan their journeys with confidence.
Commenting on the survey, Paul Drechsler, Chair of London First, said:
“Once the summer holidays come to an end, the signs point to step up in the return to London’s workplaces from September. It is clear that the barriers have been public transport and childcare, but with capacity available on the network and schools reopening next month, business leaders are backing the capital and gearing up to bring back those ready to return. As a result, firms have put in a raft of new safety measures to make their workplaces COVID-secure – from desk booking systems to requiring facemasks.
“Now it’s up to the government to end the messaging muddle and work flat out with public transport operators to boost confidence in the transport system. The public need to know the best time to travel and the safety measures in place, backed up by real time data on how busy it is at any given time.
“And for those opting for a staycation, with so many great sights, attractions, shops and restaurants, there’s never been a better time to become a tourist in your own city.”
Key survey results:
- Most (74%) already have a small percentage (0 – 20%) back in the office. Just 7% say they have no one in the office.
- 78% say they have now made the workplace COVID-19 secure, with 18% are still making changes. Just 4% have not.
- 63% of businesses have brought staff back to their original locations, while 37% have moved to a different location.
- 70% of firms surveyed believe it is important for productivity that staff return to the office, while 20% do not deem it important, and 10% undecided.
- 95% view concerns over public transport to be a barrier to returning staff to the office, with 68% saying childcare will also be a factor. Other potential barriers include the workforce being happier working from home (43%), concerns over lack of social distancing in the office (23%), and a lack of facilities for those walking and cycling (22%)
- Just 1% say that they will no longer require workspace in the city. 42% will retain all their existing workspace, and 41% will require less space but will stay committed to a lease.
- Half of businesses (50%) say that remote working will become a permanent mix for most of their staff, compared to 25% for some, 21% for all staff, and 4% for few or none.
- 78% plan to rethink workspaces to support better hybrid working, and 60% will invest in more home-working equipment. 71% will also adjust flexible working policies.
- The loss of in-person collaboration has been a big blow for many businesses, with 86% citing it as a big negative of remote working, and 34% say the impact on work-life balance. Just 9% however say that there has been reduced productivity.
