Could working from home become the new normal for Halifax?

Our lockdown survey, gives an insight into how the crisis has impacted people in Halifax , and what they would like to see happen in the coming weeks and months. In total we asked readers 25 questions on their attitude towards the lockdown, and of these two focused on how people feel about working from home.

35 per cent of Halifax Courier readers who completed our survey said they have had to work from home for the first time or to a much greater extent due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The majority of Courier readers, 45 per cent, also said they would ‘like to work from home some of the time.’

Nationally, 43 per cent answered ‘I’d like to work from home some of the time’, 25% answered ‘I’d like to work from home most of the time’, 18 per cent said ‘I don’t want to work from home at all’ and 9% answered ‘I’d like to work entirely from home’.

Rachel Oates is the founder of the Sowerby Bridge Networking Group, which provides a platform for local businesses to connect. During lockdown, the group have been offering advice and support on how to adapt to the new normal.

Rachel thinks that lockdown has allowed the business community to re-evaluate what modern businesses priorities are and how to create a work environment that better accommodates the needs of workers.

“Lockdown has provoked changes that will help tap into a rich potential for new workforces in our area.

“Calderdale has a very innovative business community and I believe that Calderdale will embrace these changes.

“It will help maximise profit and allow employees to have more of a work-life balance.”

Rachel also believes that lockdown has provided managers with the opportunity to get to know their staff better and understand how to manage them more efficiently.

“Managing Directors will have to be more trusting of their staff and adopt a more creative, proactive approach.

“Lockdown has proved that people can work from home. It’s going to cause a shift in attitudes and provide greater flexibility for workers that need it, such as working parents or those with disabilities.

“It’s no longer about providing your time in the typical 9-to-5 way. It’s about thinking how you add value to a business and how you can work to your full potential.”