There’s been a great deal of debate in recent weeks about whether or not people working in B2B PR should be returning to the office to work now that issues surrounding the pandemic have receded. This is perfectly understandable, of course, but the question remains whether this is a sensible option or not. As is so often the case, there are rights and wrongs about the situation, so the conclusion is hardly likely to be a clear one.
For individual B2B PR employees, there are a number of advantages to remote working, such as the removal of the dreaded commute and a chance to have more of a handle on getting the children to school. One of the major disadvantages, however, is the financial pressures involved. We’ve all seen the horror stories in the media about increases in heating costs, of course, and while this may not be a big issue in August it certainly will be in February.
And if you look at things from the employer’s standpoint, you’d perhaps start to question whether the company would be better off allowing a degree of home working to still remain in operation. As long as the company can expect the same level of work-rate and dedication, it may well be that the overall benefits outweigh the drawbacks. After all, savings on heating, ventilation and refreshments could prove attractive in a difficult financial climate.
Where will you work more effectively?
Then, of course, there’s the issue of providing a building for B2B PR employees to work in. The cost of office rentals has been rising noticeably in recent times, but if there are far fewer workers inside what’s the point of continuing to pay the lease on an overly large building? When that lease comes to an end, many businesses can look forward to renting far smaller premises. They may end up having to compile rotas so there are enough desks to go round, of course, but the financial savings will be worth the effort.
Medically, it may well be that we’re no longer in any great danger from Covid, especially perhaps when compared to conditions such as influenza and pneumonia. Governments and local authorities need to think about a mass return to work and how it would affect the safety of people travelling in greater numbers on our buses and trains. It’s easy to see why those in power are looking at this return as a potential balancing act.
B2B PR relies on communication
Every working person who uses a computer and has access to a reliable internet connection will be able to work from home in some form, but this doesn’t of course mean they will all therefore be just as productive as they would be in the office. Some will struggle to focus on their B2B public relations work with various distractions coming into play, such as the children needing attention, the dog wanting to go for a walk or the doorbell constantly ringing.
Personally, I would be more productive if I was ensconced in a small space completely alone, without having to worry about such distractions, or even about making conversation with anyone. But that isn’t really working, it’s more a form of paid solitary confinement. Much as it sounds like it could be fruitful, it could also be soul-destroying. Thankfully, working at the type of B2B PR West Sussex can trust is far more sociable than that.
Rose Media Group is based in West Sussex. Founded by Aneela Rose, we provide high quality B2B PR for clients working within various sectors, including automotive, aviation, sustainability and construction. Call 01444 241 341 to find out more.
