Working from home dissatisfaction see tribunal cases rise

Covid unquestionably changed life in a huge way for all of us, and it will probably only be in decades to come that we can finally make sense of it. 

However, one aspect of life it has altered, and we still see, four years after the start of the pandemic, is the move to working from home for many employees. 

Whilst in a quite scary time, working from home made sense as we all avoided each other for fear of contamination, now many employers wish to return to a world more resembling the pre-2020 pandemic. 

This has created somewhat of an issue as many employees, enjoying the benefits of less or no commuting, and the subsequent positive impact on their lives are reluctant to return to a work based mostly in an office. 

With the ongoing debate about employee productivity and working from home creating heated arguments, it is unsurprising that some of these fallouts are leading to tribunals. 

As employment law experts here in Staines the ongoing tensions caused by the working from home debate has not gone unnoticed. 

In the media too, it is creating headlines with some larger employers, such as Boots, now stipulating office staff turn up five days a week, where a 60/40 split or 40/60 split allowing working from home had been allowed in the past few years. 

Also, many working in the city have also been told to turn up at the office Monday to Friday. 

It’s clear that some employers have become emboldened after an employment tribunal earlier this year rejected the case of a senior manager who sued the City watchdog, the UK Financial Conduct Authority as she wished to work at home full-time.

The relationship between employer and employee is a complicated one. Like in all walks of life there are good and bad in both camps. However, thankfully most employers and employees find a way forward. 

However, there can be times when legal intervention is necessary. This creates terrible stress for all parties. 

If you find yourself in need of advice, remember that we are here to help and hopefully give you advice that can stop stressful situations turning into a full-blown crisis. 

If you wish to ask any questions about your situation do not hesitate to get in touch with us.