Winter worries | Firms could ask staff to WFH to cut energy costs

UK bosses are considering asking workers to stay at home to save on office energy bills this winter, according to a new survey of 1,000 senior leaders.

According to the findings, 64% of senior leaders are considering reversing their rhetoric around encouraging employees back into the office and 74% of business owners feel the same, as the cost of living begins to bite for companies This is according to research from freelance platform Fiverr.

However, this change of heart from businesses could spark backlash amongst UK employees. According to 1,000 UK office workers surveyed as part of the same study, the average worker predicts they could save £38 a month on home energy bills by coming into the office over the winter period.

When asked how they plan to support employers through the cost of living crisis in winter, 42% of business leaders say they plan to offer mental health support. Nearly a third (30%) of leaders will offer overtime and 22% of workers plan to ask for overtime and extra hours.