Productivity concerns remain as more people tentatively return to office

As footfall in the city of London reaches 39 percent of pre-pandemic levels, its highest rate since early 2020, new findings reveal widespread concern about productivity from leading business decision makers with hybrid working models setting in post pandemic. The findings show that over half (51 percent) of UK business decision makers are worried about productivity in the workplace, with 74 percent showing at least some concern as we move into the next stages of the Covid crisis.

The findings, published in the new How to Grow playbook by business transformation consultancy Agility in Mind, surveyed UK business leaders about their concerns as we move forward in the pandemic. They found that 3 in 5 business leaders believe it will be harder to engage the hearts and minds of employees within their organisations. In addition, some 29 percent of these same leaders did not know how to determine new initiatives that might tackle the issue of engagement and collaboration, with 27 percent saying they lacked the time to pursue such initiatives at all.

Even with that said, the research did show an aspiration to find solutions with over 4 in 5 (85 percent) senior decision makers wishing to explore new ways to improve employee productivity, engagement, and motivation, even if some lacked clarity on how this process should take place. A further 45 percent thought this to be either critical to future success of their business or should be a key business priority moving forward. Just 7 percent said they did not see value in pursuing such initiatives.

The report also looks into the proposed solutions from business leaders to tackle these productivity concerns. 40 percent of UK business decision makers cite their people as a key factor to their organisation’s success as we emerge from the pandemic. A further 38 percent thought the solution should be found in new ideas. Just 35 percent and 34 percent cited access to capital and leadership respectively in brightening the future of their organisation post-pandemic.