Summary
Dr. Jane Parry and Dr. Michalis Veliziotis’s response to the House of Lords Inquiry underscores the profound transformation of UK workplaces in the wake of the pandemic, highlighting both the gains and the challenges of remote and hybrid working. Their research reveals widespread improvements in work-life balance and well-being—particularly for parents and those with disabilities—alongside critical concerns about overwork, workspace design, and the reluctance of young people to disclose learning or health differences. They find that employers have harnessed this period to foster trust, deepen team relationships, and expand recruitment pools, yet small businesses and mixed workforces still face adaptation hurdles. The response urges the government to support evidence-based, inclusive best practices through initiatives such as a national Code of Practice, collaboration with trade unions, and improved data collection. Ultimately, they argue that hybrid working is here to stay, offering substantial opportunities to enhance economic participation and workforce resilience if properly managed and supported through tailored policies and ongoing research.
Author
Dr Jane Perry, Associate Professor of Work and Employment, University of Southampton.
Dr Michalis Veliziotsis, Associate Professor of Human Resource Management, University of Southampton.
