“Even ten years ago, the investment needed in office space didn’t seem worth it.” speak to are too busy to come to me and expect me to do the travelling – and my house is two minutes’ drive from the motorway.” Even ten years ago, the investment needed in office space didn’t seem worth it, even though I employ up to eight people at a time, working on different accounts. And why rent a conference room in a hotel for a team “away day” when we can just go to Starbucks?
Andrew Turner is MD of a UK-based PR and marketing business. He oversaw the world media’s coverage of the arrival of the Olympic torch in the UK in 2012. He has also completed projects for Virgin and the COI When I first set up my business ten years ago, I remember speaking to a colleague who said getting myself an office in an area with good communications, and which sent out the right messages about my business, was key. “You need to be able to invite potential clients and for them to be reassured and impressed,” he preached. “Why?” I countered. “Ninetynine per cent of people I
But the traditional work template in this country has and, until recently, still did involve getting in your car and driving to the place where we are employed. What the coronavirus outbreak has highlighted in double quick time, however, is that that template is no longer current - or valid. The IT set-up costs of working from home are minimal and the improvements in internet speeds and mobile telephone communications mean that there is little or no downside. What has always been missing is the mindset and time which has to be devoted to making that change. The virus has now forced the issue for many businesses and, during the outbreak, making a business call with a dog barking in the background or accepting
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a video call from someone who was clearly at home, with family photos in the background, became the norm.
“ Communication is key. You need to make sure you and the team are talking regularly.” What was once seen as slightly unprofessional became perfectly acceptable and consummately professional. So why go back? When businesses look at the costs of a city centre office through the post-virus filter, does it really still add up now any obstacles have been removed?
