The Work Foundation at Lancaster University respond to comment by Lord Stuart Rose that working from home is ‘not doing proper work’. Rebecca Florisson, Principal Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University commented:

“The recent push-back from some employers to roll back on hybrid and remote work is unhelpful, and risks undoing some of the gains that have been made in this area since the pandemic.

“For many workers, remote work is not a ‘nice to have’ but a key element to their ability to get into and remain in work. Given the Government’s aim to support more workers into the workforce and grow the economy, access to flexible working is a key lever to achieve this. Disabled workers have indicated that working from home allows them to better manage their condition and report maintained or improved productivity.

“Ultimately, there is no convincing evidence that remote and hybrid working is affecting companies’ productivity or bottom line. Consultation and training is the key to success – where managers are supported and trained to lead hybrid teams, and where workers have the right equipment in place to do work in different locations.”