Travel & lunch is now discretionary spend

Things are starting to get back to normal, but the office is still feeling just a bit empty. Last week I was asked by two business leaders: “Where are the missing 20%?”

Many are just not engaging with the incoming messages telling them their teams are hoping, wanting, needing to see them…

Here’s what that elusive 20% have to say:

• ☺️ I’ve loved WFH, I am more productive and happier, I never have to see people I can’t stand, and I’m never going back.

• 👺 Covid isn’t over. 1 in 45 are infected at the moment. If you think I’m going into my workplace now you are nuts!(See also Monkeypox)

• 💷 WHY? Seriously, why would I spend £25 a day on travel and lunch when I could go to the pub instead?

• Yes, that’s right—commuting + lunch has moved from being a required spend, to a discretionary one.
  

What can you do? 

Avoidance breeds anxiety according to psychologists.

🥺 Try any technique to tempt them out of the house - even an informal local meet up. They may find it’s not as bad as they’d expected, and come again. This may backfire of course!

𐄷 Choice: keep them on (even if they’re setting an example you’re not thrilled about), wait & see if they soften or confront that very tough & pricey labour market…

Next week? 

We’ll be taking a week off as the country launches itself into Jubilee madness—go all out on the bunting & scones my friends.

Christine