Travel business TUI UK has announced it is moving to permanent flexible working to improve employees’ work-life balance.
The company conducted research to understand staff views, with many of its office-based employees in the UK citing they have adjusted their working practices, discovered benefits such as a better work-life balance and would like to continue working from home once the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic is over. The senior leadership team also realised that almost all office-based roles could be done remotely.
As a result, TUI employees will only be required to attend the office once a month for face to face team meetings or collaboration events. This will enable them to make their own choices about how often they would like to work in the office, which will remain open to those who believe that working environment is best for them.
According to the organisation, this shift to permanent flexible working will not only offer greater flexibility and choice but will also attract future employees from a wider employment market. This will come into effect when the UK government removes all current restrictions on 19 July.
Additionally, in order to recognise the importance of transitioning to this working approach, TUI UK has created the new role of workspace director. Belinda Vazquez is now responsible for defining and implementing a workspace strategy across the UK and Ireland.
Andrew Flintham, managing director of TUI UK and Ireland, explained that the pandemic had allowed the organisation to take a step back and make necessary changes to the way it works, communicates and collaborates.
“We believe that this move to a permanent flexible way of working will enhance our culture and organisational productivity, as well as allowing our people to have a great work-life balance,” he said.