Workers seek permanent changes post lockdown

New research from Hitachi Capital UK has found a majority of employees want to make radical changes to the way they work once the lockdown lifts.

Two fifths of workers are now considering greener commuting alternatives post-lockdown, with over a quarter (26%) now more likely to buy an electric car than they were before the pandemic.    

The study of over 1,800 UK adults also found that 41% cite the time and cost savings of ditching the daily commute as the main reason home working is a more attractive proposition. The flexibility of working from home is identified as the most significant benefit by 13% of respondents.      

Analysing the sector by sector landscape, those working in marketing (37%) are most likely to now consider buying an electric car for their commute as a result of the lockdown.

However, working from home comes with its own set of challenges, with 38% stating they will appreciate their work colleagues more in the office when the lockdown ends.

Those working in business & consulting (51%), marketing (50%) and education (46%) are most eager to return to their regular place of work alongside their colleagues when the restrictions end.

Northern England (43%) has the highest proportion of workers who say they will appreciate their work colleagues more in the office when the lockdown restrictions are eased, followed by workers in Scotland (39%) and the Midlands (35%).  

Robert Gordon, CEO of Hitachi Capital UK, said: “The lockdown has created a positive and fundamental shift in attitude when it comes to the environment, with the majority of people placing more importance on reducing their carbon footprint than ever before.  

“This changing landscape also provides employers with an opportunity to re-evaluate their business models."

"Remote working has forced everyone to rethink their working practises and opens up new opportunities for attracting and retaining the best talent from a wider pool."

"It could also lead to operational savings, using agile working to offset the cost of expanding office premises.”