Boundaries | Working remotely from a cricket ground? Employers face a new trust test

There’s a fine line between flexible working done well and flexible working drifting into something else entirely. The latest idea from Surrey County Cricket Club at The Kia Oval sits right on that line.

The club’s recently revealed ‘Work From Oval’ initiative invites fans to spend their working day at the ground while the Rothesay County Championship unfolds in front of them. During the opening fixture against Leicestershire County Cricket Club, more than 100 people took them up on it across four days.

It’s easy to see the appeal. Superfast WiFi, access to Pavilion facilities, panoramic terrace views, and a live sporting backdrop. For some, that’s a far more enticing alternative to a kitchen table or even a corporate office.

Steve Elworthy, Surrey’s CEO, framed it as both a fan engagement tool and a natural extension of behaviour already happening: “We know that many fans treat the Kia Oval as their second home and have been using the ground to ‘Work From Oval’ for many years and we wanted to encourage others to come along as well.”