Employers poised for flexible future

FLEXIBLE working is set to boom in Britain after lockdown eases.

A poll of 1,000 employers found 80 per cent will ensure more meetings take place via video conferencing and staff who have to meet others will do so in smaller numbers.

Safely spaced desks, staggered starting times, professional cleaning and the introduction of PPE are also being considered by many bosses – and some intend to give their staff the freedom to plan where they want to work, and when.

Just 45 per cent were comfortable with staff working away from the office prior to lockdown. But seven in 10 are now considering a change of rules after being so impressed with how staff have reacted.

And nearly half believe it will save them money.

A further study of 1,000 workers currently at home, conducted via OnePoll, found 35 per cent feel they are more productive in the comfort of their own home, while 37 per cent say their attitude to work remains unaffected.

The poll was commissioned byVision Direct following a surge in online customers in April at the company.