Leaders keen for in-person collaboration, but also see hybrid working advantages: KPMG UK

insurance, asset and wealth management and private equity – are planning to increase office attendance in the next 12 months, according to a new KPMG UK research.

Of those planning to increase attendance, more than a third (37%) expect employees to be in the office at least four days a week, the survey, which involves 150 leaders, also found.

After the pandemic, the financial services sector took the lead in bringing employees back to the office, with major investment banks being among the first to announce their plans for a full return to the office.

However, they also see the value of the hybrid working model, with more than half (58%) of UK financial services leaders saying it is a competitive opportunity for the sector; 20% of these say the opportunity is significant.

A separate KPMG study on the work preferences of financial services employees revealed that only 10% prefer working in the office full-time. Regardless of location preferences, all age groups emphasized the significance of hybrid work flexibility when choosing a job.

Karim Haji, Global and UK head of financial services at KPMG, said: “There is no one-size fits all approach to this and businesses are still trying to find the hybrid working sweet spot more than two years on from the pandemic.

“Leaders see the commercial value of hybrid working models, particularly when it comes to attracting and retaining talent, but they are still expecting greater office attendance in the coming months to retain collaboration with colleagues and clients. Leaders also have to balance regulatory and risk pressures as part of managing hybrid models, which will be a contributing factor for getting staff back into the office.”

Haji added: “What is important is that companies find the right balance that works for their business and their employees. This will ensure that the sector retains good people and fosters a collaborative, productive culture that is successful and competitive.”

The report also revealed that financial services leaders are planning to track attendance in several ways, with almost half (45%) planning to do so through card swipe systems, followed by 40% using timesheets and just under a third (29%) will install digital cameras.

This website states: The content on this site is sourced from the internet. If there is any infringement, please contact us and we will handle it promptly.