Four months on from the start of the UK’s lockdown, British professionals have well and truly embraced remote working. While flexible working was previously a major cause of concern for employers, companies have had to implement new strategies to ensure that colleagues feel connected, productivity levels remain high and that employees’ mental and physical health is protected and prioritised.
69 per cent of those surveyed confirmed that Covid-19 had forced them to change their people priorities. Facing the very real prospect that many children won’t return to school until September, it was refreshing to read that 90 per cent of companies said they are offering flexible working that will enable parents to find a balance between fulfilling professional duties, and managing life at home.
“Organisations have had to adapt quickly to this new way of working, and the challenge presented to those employees with young children to work effectively from home should not be underestimated. We applaud those companies who have taken steps to recognise and address this ongoing issue,” said Luke Bullen, Gympass CEO for UK/IE.
Seemingly, the answer to supporting working parents lies in flexibility. In addition to flexible working, 54 per cent said their working parents have been placed on furlough, 8 per cent have offered financial support, while 23 per cent have offered unpaid leave.
For many working parents, who have already endured months of homeschooling or a total lack of childcare, flexibility and understanding will undoubtedly remain key to ensuring productivity. The school summer holidays around the corner will certainly prove the next big test, but experience from lockdown so far tells us that it can be done.
