The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 transformed the office worker landscape, for better or worse, depending on who you ask. At JFM, we stand firmly in favour of the hybrid model.
Advocating for more remote work has become significantly easier recently, with productivity being a key factor:
- 77% of workers say they are more productive when working remotely (Source: Forbes, 2022)
- 85% of businesses confirm that hybrid working has improved productivity (Source: Owl Labs, 2023)
While retention statistics may seem less dramatic, they arguably have a greater impact on businesses. For instance, 58% of workers say they would consider changing jobs if they couldn’t work remotely (Source: Owl Labs, 2023).
However, certain aspects of the remote vs. office-based debate often go unmentioned. It’s difficult to quantify the productivity gains that come from being physically present with colleagues during high-stress times. Similarly, trainee roles can suffer due to a lack of in-person interaction. Observing how someone handles a call, for example, is frequently cited as challenging to replicate virtually. Verbal cues often go unnoticed, and body language is easily missed on a Teams or Zoom call.
In an industry where we regularly face criticism due to economic pressures, we see the value in fostering a cohesive team. To support this, we introduced ‘All-in Day’ at JFM, ensuring that once a month, all staff are together in our UK office.
Typically, our team members work from the office 2-3 days a week, so schedules don’t always overlap. ‘All-in Day’ guarantees at least one day for shared, in-person time, dedicated to relationship-building, hands-on training, and the human side of our work. It’s an opportunity to make up for the spontaneous conversations and brainstorms that may have been more common in pre-pandemic JFM
We believe the hybrid model benefits society. Many talented individuals who previously couldn’t participate in the workforce due to home-based challenges can now contribute through remote work. But we also value maintaining a physical environment for a balanced approach.
Consider that hybrid work increases employee retention by 25%, reducing turnover costs for businesses (Source: Gartner, 2021). Let’s support our staff with the best of both worlds.
Joe Mallon, Joint Founder and Managing Director of JFM Block & Estate Management, brings two decades of proven expertise in delivering exceptional block management solutions. As a Chartered Surveyor and Fellow of The Property Institute (TPI), Joe has solidified his reputation as a trusted leader in the property management sector.
In addition to his role at JFM, Joe is the visionary behind 'The Block Coach', a cutting-edge training initiative tailored to meet the unique needs of the property sector and the broader business community. With a focus on highly specialised and targeted training, Joe is committed to equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in an ever-evolving industry.
