Here at Fram, we’re working hard to find balance. We’ve implemented hybrid working, we give our team extra days off between Christmas and New Year, and we’re trialling  a 4.5 working week. Team is very important and each change mustn’t weaken our overall output, but the theory is that the more control you give people over their diary, within the constraints of running a successful team, the happier and more productive staff are. We too are also hiring, though, to cope with demand and it’s an exciting time as we deepen the knowledge within our existing practices, whilst rolling out services for new clients.

Team members in every company also have a responsibility to work with management. It isn’t a “them” and “us” and if firms are showing high levels of flexibility, employees need to play their part by also being fair and ensuring that they adhere to the standards set out. I think some firms are concerned that they are starting to see lower levels of productivity at home, of mission creep, of lunchtimes being whenever people decide, not when the business needs people to take them. It is for each firm to find their own feet and to work out the best way forward for them, and I think this is best solved by firms, rather than by politicians. Our advice, based on our insights, is to always try and see the best in the team. As we discovered during the pandemic, the vast majority of any workforce is extremely conscientious. They want to do a good job, they want to work, they want to help. Of course, there will be individuals who push the envelope, but this is best dealt with at an individual level rather than punishing the group – a group that is trying hard.