Based on the ONS data points, we should expect overtime to decrease as lockdown is removed and people decide to return to the office. I anticipate that this decrease in productivity will have the most significant impact on businesses in the short term. However, it should be a good thing in terms of worker burnout.
“While it is still relatively early to predict precisely how the pandemic will affect the future of work, the report gives a good indication of the current state of play. We’re still coming out of lockdown and there are still restrictions in place, so companies should consider a hybrid working model. Employees should feel safe at all times, and travelling into an office might feel like a risk not worth taking. Employees shouldn’t, however, feel they need to work overtime to make up for working remotely.
“Employers should be wary of stunting their teams’ professional growth while they work from home. Bonuses should be based on performance rather than presenteeism. If people continue to work from home, this is a trend that will need to be reversed, but it’s too early to say whether that will be the case right now.”
For context, Bullhorn provides software for the recruitment industry and has over 10,000 firms on their books. Andy is in contact with recruiters daily.
