Forced office attendance: “Hybrid working helps with the costs of living crisis"

As they vote in the statutory ballot, which runs until 10 December, members working in civilian roles at the Metropolitan Police shared their reasons for being against the new policy that the employer is set to impose, forcing them back into offices for up to 100% of the time.

Quality of life

Siobhan says: “Finally we have a work/life balance and I have never been happier in my career.”

Naresh agrees: “We can spend more time with family and friends due to no time spent commuting – that is great for my mental health.”

Financial reasons

Mel speaks about a forced move to an office which would mean a 4-hour daily commute: “It’s pointless as this is half of my day's work that could be performed as easily at home.”

Oliver has done some sums and, with school clubs on top of travel, will have to find an extra £2,000 a year.

Karen concludes: “Hybrid working helps with the costs of living crisis, by both reducing the costs of commuting as well as allowing us to work further away in areas which are cheaper to rent.”

Organisational benefits

Three quotes which speak for themselves:

“We can give a better service to victims as we can contact them from a quiet room rather than a noisy office.”

“Working from home means I have a suitable desk which is not always the case in the office.”

“I worry this will impact my productivity as the office setting is very distracting.”

Mental and physical health

The ability to manage mental health conditions and symptoms is hugely enhanced by hybrid working. Claire explained that a combination of health issues make it impossible for her to work more than two days a week in the office.

Jared spoke of how hybrid working helps neurodiverse staff: “They can work in a quieter environment, and have a reduction in social anxiety.”

Conor said: “Being able to work from home has enabled me to continue to work despite having sciatica and back problems. At times I am unable to even walk to the train station.”

Caring responsibilities

Despite few childcare options, Yusef said that the flexibility of hybrid meant they could win a temporary promotion.

John simply states: “As a single parent of two children with additional needs I would find it impossible to go into the office every day. I have to ask my sister to have them overnight as I leave at 5:30 in the morning to get to the office. An increase in days would mean they weren't living with me anymore. I would need to seek employment elsewhere.”

No ballot paper?

If your ballot paper hasn’t arrived or it’s been lost you can request a replacement.

All members that require a replacement ballot paper must request one online by logging into their PCS Digital account PCS Digital where they can check and update their details if necessary.

PCS Digital online requests are now open, the deadline for requesting a replacement is noon on 27 November.

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