Cloud communications company RingCentral has released new research into the extent workers in the UK are embracing hybrid working.
Among the key findings were that 66% of those currently working at home say the prefer it to a full-time in office work model. And 65% of those surveyed would prefer to perform undesirable tasks such as cleaning the toilet or having their in-laws stay than commute.
“More often than not, the workforce is a company’s most valuable asset and this is why the Great Resignation has been such a concern. It’s all very well to flippantly say that workers should ‘get off their Pelotons’ and return to the office, but for many individuals, the introduction of a hybrid working model has been a lifeline,” said Steve Rafferty, Country Manager, UK and Ireland, RingCentral.
The explosion of home working during the COVID-19 pandemic seems here to stay on the basis of the research’s findings that 25% would look for a new job if forced back to the office. That tallies with ongoing discussions about the “Great Resignation”, with COVID-19 proving a turning point for workers career aspirations.
“Giving people flexibility to manage work around other commitments helps to boost work-life balance, and supports those who may have challenges such as mental health concerns,” said Rafferty. “What’s more, the last 18 months have proven that with the right collaboration tools, it is possible not only to build highly productive teams, but also meaningful human connections with colleagues to generate positive working relationships. One way or another, the data is clear: if businesses want to retain their staff they need to offer an environment that caters to modern needs.”
The company itself recently partnered with telecommunications company Mitel on providing the latter’s customers with its cloud communications platform as its exclusive UCaaS partner.
Vlad Shmunis, RingCentral’s founder, chairman and chief executive officer, said at the time: “We are bringing together the best of Mitel and RingCentral to give customers the right communications and collaboration solutions for their needs. Given our maniacal customer-centric focus, we’re delighted to now be able to offer customers a flexible and differentiated digital transformation path.”
