Remote working and weekly shopping in one? Both could be possible after Tesco announced a flexible work trial with office service provider IWG.
From mid-May, people will be able to use office space created at the chain’s New Malden store in London.
A flexible office space will utilize space in the store, with desks, co-working areas and a meeting room.
The move underscores the ongoing move away from traditional office settings since the pandemic.
- Hybrid working is here to stay, managers say
IWG said the process with Tesco reflects “really strong demand” from office workers to have suburban alternatives close to where they live, rather than commuting to city centers.
“People don’t want to commute hours every day and instead want to live and work in their local communities,” said Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of IWG.
Research by the company suggests that 72% of workers would prefer flexible working.
The partnership comes as supermarkets increasingly look for new ways to monetize their physical stores as many shoppers have switched to online delivery during the Covid pandemic.
The pandemic and lockdowns have also resulted in a huge shift in people’s work patterns and while restrictions have been eased, the latest figures suggest the shift to flexible working will continue.
A survey by the Chartered Institute of Management found that more than 80% of companies have adopted hybrid working since the end of the pandemic.
Louise Goodland, head of strategic partnerships at Tesco, said the supermarket is always striving to “better serve customers and communities” and it is interesting to see the response to the attempt.
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