7 September
Many companies across the world have opted for remote working operations to safeguard their business and employees.
Remote working, however, has an indirect impact on the businesses that are dependent on employees for their business.
Julian Jessop, an independent economist and writer, shared an article, how working from home (WFH) can cost £15bn a year for the UK, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.
WFH is expected to severely impact coffee shops, security guards and support jobs causing a GDP loss of 1%.
Various businesses who are reliant on office goers for their business have already started to feel the impact of the pandemic induced remote working.
Pret A Manger, for example, operates primarily near to office blocks and has announced its plans to cut 3,000 jobs. Further, the company is planning to expand into suburbs to sustain its business.
Jessop opined that the impact of WFH on GDP, is a small price to pay compared to the improvements it will provide in wellbeing such as less commuting.
Remote working can also help in controlling the pandemic, Jessop noted.
