UK productivity has suffered in recent years, often described as ailing or in crisis, and the Labour government has made improving productivity levels central to its new agenda. The consequences of ‘ailing’ productivity for the UK is far-reaching, from lower wages, to job losses and reduced economic growth. All of which are placing a strain on businesses, individuals and communities alike.
The productivity puzzle is further complicated by the lingering impact of the seismic shifts the world of work went through during the pandemic. Recent trends have seen a desire for flexibility battle with corporate mandates on returning to the office. Amazon’s recent shift to a full time office mandate was met with uproar from employees, but bosses remain insistent that this is the best move for the business. And, they aren’t alone, in the UK, the finance industry is rumored to be eyeing a full time return to the office. Such mandates have sparked all sorts of criticism about employee morale and productivity.
