An article authored by Maria Gardner, Founder of Psychology Works. Today is National Sickie. Less of an endorsement of absenteeism for work without reason, more a timely reminder that, everyone, at times needs a day off to rest, recalibrate and reset. It's not about glamorising…
Author: Claire Lish, ABP Company Secretary and Governance Lead.
In a significant tribunal decision on 20 November 2023, a senior manager at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) earning £140,000 annually, faced a setback in her bid to secure the right to work exclusively from home. Despite her high performance during the remote working arrangement necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the tribunal sided with the FCA, underscoring the complexities surrounding remote working policies in today’s evolving workplace.
The individual’s case, arising from her request under the Employment Rights Act 1996 to transition to a fully remote working model, brings to light the intricate balance between individual employee needs and organizational objectives. The FCA’s stance, favouring a hybrid approach requiring staff to spend 40% of their working time in the office, reflects a broader debate within the corporate landscape about the optimal blend of remote and in-person work.
This landmark case raises pivotal questions for the future of work: What are the tangible benefits and potential drawbacks of remote and hybrid working models? How can organisations reconcile the need for flexibility with the imperative of maintaining team cohesion, effective communication, and a vibrant company culture?
As members of the Association for Business Psychology, your insights into these matters are invaluable. We invite you to share your perspectives on whether this case helps or hinders the progression toward more adaptive and flexible working environments. How do psychological principles inform our understanding of remote work’s impact on employee well-being, engagement, and productivity? In what ways can businesses harness the potential of flexible working arrangements while mitigating their challenges?
Get involved in the discussion below to enrich our collective understanding and help shape the discourse on creating work environments that not only accommodate the diverse needs of the workforce but also bolster organisational effectiveness and resilience in an ever-changing world.
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