With the UK government’s plans to introduce a new “right to switch off” model, empowering staff to spend less time in the office, the reasons for this stance are clear. More flexibility and the ability to choose a work environment that suits individual needs could pave the way for less burn out, greater productivity and enhanced motivation among the workforce.
However, for employers, those managing office facilities and the telecoms industry, this piles on even more pressure to make the office environment as attractive as possible.
To serve the needs of workers in terms of productivity, efficiency and wellbeing, there’s a clear need to rethink the approach to office design, connectivity and IT amenities. With this recent shift that fully embraces the hybrid working model, there’s a growing reliance on mobile connectivity to seamlessly transition between working from home and the office.
Office connectivity crisis
However, our recent survey of hybrid workers highlights a significant issue: office connectivity just isn’t up to par. While most of the UK enjoys strong mobile signals at home and in their local communities, many large office buildings are proving to be a barrier.
Thick concrete or stone walls, brick and steel structures, and the increased use of metallised-glass are all culprits. In fact, more than half (55 per cent) of hybrid workers we surveyed reported that their mobile connection is better at home than in the office.
What’s more, a staggering 70 per cent of hybrid workers are grappling with unreliable mobile connectivity in the workplace. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience – it’s impacting productivity and ramping up stress levels. It’s no wonder that 68 per cent of workers are deterred from coming into the office and 40 per cent are even considering changing jobs due to these persistent connectivity issues.
For employers, these stats are undoubtedly alarming. As organisations push for more in-office work to boost efficiency, enhance employee wellbeing and justify the financial investments in physical workspaces, connectivity issues can’t be ignored. The modern workforce demands reliable connectivity to perform their tasks efficiently, collaborate with colleagues remotely and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Upgrading offices for the hybrid era
Looking ahead, it’s clear that the telecoms industry must work with government and commercial real estate sectors to upgrade office buildings to meet the connectivity needs of today’s workers.
The key trend shaping the modern workplace will be designing buildings with connectivity in mind and deploying mobile enhancing solutions within them. Several strategies can be implemented and it all starts with office infrastructure.
This includes installing signal boosters and distributed antenna systems to ensure strong and consistent mobile signals throughout the premises, meaning employees can expect seamless mobile connectivity which eliminates issues with the fundamentals such as making calls and sending emails. These solutions are also useful to meet the growing demand for mobile data and support the use of IoT devices in modern office settings.
What’s more, collaboration between telecom providers and building managers is essential. By working together, they can identify and address specific connectivity issues within office spaces, resulting in tailored solutions that cater to the unique needs of each building.
Employee productivity and market competitiveness
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s endorsement of increased remote working underscores a pivotal shift towards a more flexible and balanced work environment. This approach not only aims to reduce burnout and enhance productivity, but also places a significant onus on employers to create office spaces that are both appealing and functional.
The challenges highlighted by hybrid workers, particularly regarding mobile connectivity, reveal a critical area that needs urgent attention. As the demand for seamless transitions between home and office grows, the inadequacies in office connectivity become glaringly apparent.
Ultimately, embracing these changes will not only meet the needs of the modern workforce, but also contribute to a more dynamic and resilient economy. By prioritising connectivity and flexibility, the UK can solidify its position as a leader in workplace excellence, fostering growth and innovation for years to come.