‘UK workers back to the workplace with no consultation’

In a study of more than 1,000 UK workers by HR software provider CIPHR, 39% said they weren’t asked about their return to the workplace.

23% of people who worked at home during the COVID-19 pandemic were ‘dreading’ going back to work in person.

Pre pandemic, the usual workplace location for 74% of employees was at a business premises, but this switched to 61% being told to work at home as the pandemic took hold.

But workplaces won’t look normal yet as 67% of employees plan to keep wearing a facemask when at work.

Claire Williams, director of people and services at CIPHR, said: “We urge all employers to consult their staff about changes you’re making that affect them.

“Keep checking in with them and ask them how they feel – particularly about the return to ‘normal working’.

Above all, it’s important that people feel listened to, and that employers act on their feedback, wherever possible.