People are to be encouraged to go back to the office as part of a Government campaign starting next week, but much of the financial services sector looks set to ignore the advice and continue working from home.
Asset management giant Schroders told staff in a memo earlier this month that flexible working arrangements introduced during the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown are to be made permanent. Staff are able to work from home, or alter their hours, provided it meets the requirements of their team, manager and clients.
Just over half of staff working at financial advice businesses believe remote working is becoming permanent, according to a survey by fintech Intelliflo. The survey found that more than half of adviser firm workers are set to carry on working remotely either full time or part-time.
However, several big financial service brands have taken a different approach and told employees they need to return to the office as normal.
Investment banking giant JP Morgan has continued its plans to return to the office, asking junior bankers to return to the office next week.
The Lloyds insurance market is also trying to encourage people back and will reopen the doors to its HQ and iconic underwriting room on Tuesday next week, with clear screens installed on underwriting boxes.
As part of the campaign to minimise the damage done to city centres as people stay away, employers will be asked to reassure staff that it is safe to return to the office by highlighting measures taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Cleaning and disinfection makes up an important part of the reopening of workplaces and public spaces and requires careful planning.
Whilst most employers will have considered the impact of the increased cleaning requirements on their workforce, some may not have considered other associated risks.
One of our fabulous clients Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has produced a really helpful guide of the risks bought by disinfection processes to a wide range of businesses, public spaces, and schools.
You can find a copy of the loss prevention report from their risk engineering experts at https://corporatesolutions.swissre.com/insights/knowledge/cleaning-and-disinfection-during-covid-19.html
Brandon Consulting Services Ltd 