Employers plan for post-pandemic working patterns

According to a study by Willis Towers Watson, only three-in-ten employers expect to have their workforce fully back onsite in two years’ time.

While the vast majority (85%) of businesses anticipate a return to the workplace for most employees who want to by the end of 2021, employers do not anticipate a return to pre-pandemic working practices.

Employers think about a quarter of the workforce (23%) will work remotely on a full-time basis in two years’ time.

The survey also suggested that almost half (41%) of workers will take up hybrid working.

None of the businesses who participated in the research currently ask their employees to get vaccinated in order to return to the workplace with two in three companies have no intention of doing so

Although social distancing could be here to stay, with two in three organisations unsure when they will drop Covid safety protocols in the workplace.

Lucie McGrath, Director, Health and Benefits GB, Willis Towers Watson, said: “While some uncertainty remains about exactly what the journey towards the “new normal” looks like, one thing’s for sure: hybrid working is here to stay.

“We’ve all weathered a huge amount of change over the last two years – Employers should think carefully about how to support their employees’ mental health as we adjust to the new working world.”