More cash-strapped Brits are wanting to head back to the office to work and save money on bills at home due to the cost-of-living crisis, a new study shows. Nearly 3 in 5 (59%) workers surveyed are considering the move as it will lead to less spending on broadband, electricity, lighting, and heating.
The research, carried out by employment experts Citation, found that more than 4 in 5 (83%) people surveyed are also worried about the current cost of living crisis as they face soaring inflation and higher bills. 16% of those are very worried and unsure how they will cope with the situation.
Although in recent years, many have moved to working from home fully or in a hybrid capacity (61%), this winter looks set to be one that lots of employees head back to the office to save on their own spending.
The research also found that more than one in 10 businesses (11%) are offering their employees broadband and heating allowances as a benefit for those working from home and one in 10 are also offering a company loan scheme to help workers through the cost-of-living crisis. Business owners are also aiming to increase workers’ salaries by 16% in the next 18 months as costs soar.
In April 2022, household energy bills went up by 54% and in October, they have increased by 27% even with the Energy Price Guarantee. Even broadband providers put prices up between 4.5% and 11.7% earlier this year.
Gill McAteer, director of employment law at Citation, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is hitting everyone hard so it is only natural that employees will want to limit the impact of this as much as possible.
“The next worker trend we are set to see this winter involves workers who have low commuting costs wanting to head back to offices to save on bills at home.
“This could save people lots of money that they can put towards other pressing costs at this time. However, more employees in the office would see higher costs for employers. Businesses too are facing high energy and other costs. New hot desking arrangements have allowed many to reduce their overall office space, meaning there may not be space for everybody. Cash-strapped employers must then assess what they can provide to employees.
“Going forward, if bills at home don’t stop increasing at this rate, we could see more workers wanting to return to the office space into the new year as well.
“Business owners can help support their employees by re-evaluating what they can offer. It’s key to understand from employees what they want. Do they want to come into the office more? Would a contribution to energy or broadband bills be more appealing than a current benefit such as gym membership or additional annual leave? Employers need to look at costs against the benefits they provide and consult with employees on what the business can afford and what employees would prefer.”
