EY plans hybrid working future in the UK
EY has become the latest firm to embrace post-pandemic hybrid working, with the accountancy company outlining latest UK plans.
EY has become the latest firm to embrace post-pandemic hybrid working, with the accountancy company outlining latest UK plans.
The firm, which has a team of around 17,500 workers in the UK, expects that most will normally spend at least two days a week working remotely, with the remainder of their time spent at a client site or EY office.
The update follows a number of announcements from other groups, such as credit data company Experian, that are looking to offer flexible working on a longer-term basis.
PwC’s Kevin Ellis in March told the Big Four accounting giant’s 22,000 staff they will be expected to spend 40%-60% of their time face-to-face with their colleagues when lockdowns end. That will translate as two-to-three days a week, either in the office or on site with clients.
A number of bosses have been impressed at how well staff were able to work remotely during the Covid-19 crisis.
In line with government guidance, EY is currently encouraging people to work from home where they can. However, its sites remain open for those needing to work from an office location.
Once social distancing restrictions are lifted, the group will begin transitioning to a hybrid working model.
Hywel Ball, EY’s UK chair, said: “We have championed flexible working for many years prior to Covid-19 and we will continue to do so. This has been built on a culture of trust with our people. We also believe there will always be a need for EY to have office space across the UK, but how we use our offices in the future will change with a greater emphasis on collaboration rather than as a place for individual working.”
The firm, which has a team of around 17,500 workers in the UK, expects that most will normally spend at least two days a week working remotely, with the remainder of their time spent at a client site or EY office.
The update follows a number of announcements from other groups, such as credit data company Experian, that are looking to offer flexible working on a longer-term basis.
PwC’s Kevin Ellis in March told the Big Four accounting giant’s 22,000 staff they will be expected to spend 40%-60% of their time face-to-face with their colleagues when lockdowns end. That will translate as two-to-three days a week, either in the office or on site with clients.
A number of bosses have been impressed at how well staff were able to work remotely during the Covid-19 crisis.
In line with government guidance, EY is currently encouraging people to work from home where they can. However, its sites remain open for those needing to work from an office location.
Once social distancing restrictions are lifted, the group will begin transitioning to a hybrid working model.
Hywel Ball, EY’s UK chair, said: “We have championed flexible working for many years prior to Covid-19 and we will continue to do so. This has been built on a culture of trust with our people. We also believe there will always be a need for EY to have office space across the UK, but how we use our offices in the future will change with a greater emphasis on collaboration rather than as a place for individual working.”
