Last week, I went to an informal business networking get-together. As we sat down, one of the attendees encouraged us to put some of our business cards on the table. Now, I’ve just ordered 2, 000 of the suckers, so I had no problem with this suggestion; however, it did feel a little odd. I haven’t done too much in-person networking since the pandemic, and it’s been quite a while since I was asked for one. A couple of the other business owners at the get-together said that they don’t even use paper business cards anymore. They said, if they connect with someone in person, they just follow each other on LinkedIn or another social platform. Does this mean that the paper business card is now obsolete? In the ever-evolving landscape of business and networking, this relic of the past has been slowly fading into oblivion. For decades, these small pieces of cardstock were the quintessential tools for professionals to exchange contact information, making them a symbol of business etiquette and networking prowess. However, in 2023, the traditional business card is facing obsolescence, replaced by technological tools that offer efficiency, versatility, and environmental friendliness. For centuries, the exchange of visiting cards served as a customary practice to make introductions and leave a lasting impression. In the 19th Century, these cards evolved into the modern business card, carrying essential contact information and serving as a tangible representation of one's professional identity. The business card became a powerful tool for networking and establishing connections. However, in the past two decades, the business landscape has undergone a digital transformation that has rendered the paper business card increasingly redundant. Several factors have contributed to its decline: Environmental concerns: As sustainability and eco-friendliness have gained prominence, the production and disposal of paper business cards have come under scrutiny. The carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and distributing paper cards has led many professionals to seek more environmentally conscious alternatives. Inefficiency: In a fast-paced world where time is of the essence, manually entering contact information from a paper card into digital devices is an unnecessary and time-consuming step. This process can lead to errors and inefficiencies, further diminishing the appeal of paper cards. Technological advancements: The advent of smartphones and various digital tools has provided a plethora of alternative methods for exchanging contact information. With just a few taps, individuals can easily share their contact details, making paper cards seem archaic in comparison. Limited information: Paper business cards can only hold a limited amount of information. In contrast, digital alternatives can provide a comprehensive overview of one's professional background, including links to social media profiles, portfolios, and more. Loss and forgetfulness: Paper business cards often end up lost or forgotten in the clutter of wallets or business card holders. Digital alternatives are easier to organise and access, reducing the likelihood of losing valuable connections. As the paper business card becomes a relic of the past, various technological tools and solutions have emerged to meet the demands of modern networking and communication. Here are some of the key digital alternatives that have gained popularity in recent years: QR codes: QR codes have become a ubiquitous feature on digital business cards. By scanning a QR code with their smartphone, individuals can instantly access contact information, websites, portfolios, and social media profiles. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and simplifies the process of connecting with others. Digital business card apps: Numerous smartphone apps now allow users to create and share digital business cards. These apps provide customisable templates, support for multimedia content, and the ability to update contact details in real-time. Digital cards can be easily shared via email, messaging apps, or social media platforms. LinkedIn and social media: Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn have become essential tools for making connections and sharing contact information. With a LinkedIn profile, individuals can connect with others and exchange information with a simple click. NFC (Near Field Communication): NFC technology allows for contactless data exchange between smartphones. By tapping their phones together, individuals can instantly share contact details, making networking more seamless and efficient. Email signatures: Many professionals now include their contact information and social media links in their email signatures. This ensures that every email sent serves as a digital business card, making it easy for recipients to connect and stay in touch. Augmented Reality (AR) business cards: Cutting-edge AR technology enables individuals to create interactive digital business cards. When someone scans the AR code on a physical card, they can access a multimedia-rich experience, including videos, animations, and interactive content. Digital wallets: Smartphones now feature digital wallet apps where users can store contact information, making it readily available for sharing. This method eliminates the need for physical cards whilst providing a secure and organised means of managing connections. As we bid farewell to the traditional paper business card, it's essential to adapt to the digital age and embrace the new tools and methods available for networking and professional connections. Here are some tips for making a smooth transition: Create a digital business card in readiness: Invest in a digital business card app or platform to create a dynamic and easily shareable online presence. Include links to your social media profiles, websites, and a professional photo to make a lasting impression. Have this ready before attending networking opportunities, so that you can effortlessly share your information with new contacts. Keep information updated: One of the advantages of digital alternatives is the ability to update your information in real-time—no printing of new cards if you change phone number or email address. With a digital card, you can ensure that your contact details, work history, and other relevant information are always current. Stay organised: Digital tools can easily help you organise your connections and their information. Create folders, tags, or categories to make it easy to find and connect with specific individuals when needed. The death of the business card may be mourned by some as the end of an era, but it marks the beginning of a more efficient, environmentally friendly, dynamic era of networking and professional connections.

In an era where data-driven decision-making and technological advances are at the forefront of business strategies, the concept of dynamic pricing has gained prominence across various industries. One notable example in the hospitality sector is Slug & Lettuce, part of the Stonegate Group, the UK's largest pub chain. Slug & Lettuce, along with its sister pubs, Yates, has recently embraced dynamic pricing, which marks a significant shift in what they charge customers for their beverages. The dynamic pricing model Dynamic pricing—sometimes called surge pricing or demand-based pricing—is where the cost of a product or service is adjusted, based on various factors. These factors can include demand, the time of day, the day of the week, special events, and even external market conditions. In the case of Slug & Lettuce, the decision to implement dynamic pricing revolves around charging 20p more per pint during peak hours, which typically occur during evenings and weekends. The pros of dynamic pricing Optimising revenue One of the most significant (and, perhaps, most obvious) advantages of dynamic pricing is its potential to optimise revenue for businesses. For example, by charging more during peak hours when demand is high, Slug & Lettuce can maximise its profits. This allows the pub chain to allocate resources effectively and invest in improvements to enhance the overall customer experience. Rising operational costs, including expenses like extra security during busy times, can place a strain on businesses like Slug & Lettuce. Dynamic pricing helps counteract these increased costs by generating higher profit margins during peak hours. Enhanced demand management Dynamic pricing also helps with demand management. During peak hours, when the pub is likely to be crowded, higher prices can discourage some customers, reducing overcrowding and wait times. Conversely, during off-peak hours, lower prices can attract more patrons, leading to a more balanced distribution of customers throughout the day. Flexibility and responsiveness In a rapidly changing market, the ability to adjust prices in real-time provides businesses with the flexibility to respond to shifts in demand and external factors. Slug & Lettuce can react promptly to events like local sports games, concerts, or even changes in the weather that might affect customer numbers. The cons of dynamic pricing Customer perception One of the most significant challenges of dynamic pricing is its impact on customer perception. When customers notice price fluctuations—especially higher prices during peak hours—it can lead to feelings of frustration, mistrust, and dissatisfaction. Slug & Lettuce and other businesses implementing this strategy must carefully manage their customer expectations and communication. Potential for overpricing Dynamic pricing can be a double-edged sword. Whilst it allows for higher pricing during peak hours, it also carries the risk of overpricing. If the price becomes too steep, it may deter potential customers and lead to reduced overall revenue, which is the opposite of what it’s meant to achieve. Striking the right balance is essential. Ethical concerns Critics argue that dynamic pricing can be ethically questionable, especially when customers feel they are being exploited during high-demand periods, and at a time when their disposable income is limited, due to the cost-of-living crisis. The perception that a business is taking advantage of customers' willingness to pay more can harm its reputation and lead to negative publicity. The flipside of this, of course, is that people have the freedom to choose which chain or individual business they wish to patronise; if the price is too high even at peak times, they have the power to take their business elsewhere. Operational complexity Implementing dynamic pricing requires advanced technology and data analytics capabilities. It can be operationally complex, particularly for smaller businesses that may lack the necessary resources and expertise. For Slug & Lettuce, this means investing in the infrastructure and training required to execute dynamic pricing effectively. Slug & Lettuce's decision to introduce dynamic pricing reflects a broader trend in the hospitality industry. Whilst the pros and cons of this strategy are evident, it will be interesting to see how things unfold for the pub chain.

The United Kingdom, like many other countries, has been steadily moving towards a cashless society in recent years. The rise of digital payment methods, contactless cards, and mobile wallets has made it easier than ever for people to conduct their financial transactions without the need for physical cash. Whilst there are clear advantages to embracing a cashless economy, there are also significant drawbacks and long-term implications that must be considered. The pros of a cashless society Convenience: One of the most significant advantages of a cashless society is the unparalleled convenience it offers. Digital payment methods allow people to make transactions quickly and securely, whether they’re shopping online, paying bills, or splitting a restaurant bill. Contactless payments have become especially popular in the UK, making it effortless to make purchases with a simple tap of a card or smartphone. Example: Imagine a busy commuter in London who can easily use their contactless Oyster card for public transport, pay for a coffee at a café, and purchase groceries at a supermarket, all without needing to carry cash. Reduced crime: A cashless society can help reduce various forms of financial crime, such as theft, counterfeiting, and money laundering. With digital transactions leaving a clear and traceable electronic trail, it becomes more challenging for criminals to engage in illicit activities. Example: By relying on digital payment methods, the UK has seen a decline in bank robberies and physical cash thefts. Financial inclusion: Digital payments can improve financial inclusion by providing access to banking services for those who are unbanked or underbanked. Mobile banking apps and digital wallets can help people manage their finances more effectively, regardless of their geographic location. Example: Initiatives like mobile banking vans and digital wallets have brought financial services to remote areas in Scotland, helping residents access banking services more conveniently. The cons of a cashless society Exclusion of vulnerable people: Whilst digital payment methods offer convenience, they can also exclude the vulnerable in society who may not have access to smartphones or bank accounts. This digital divide can further marginalise those already facing financial difficulties. Example: Elderly individuals who are not tech-savvy or homeless people who lack access to traditional banking services may struggle to adapt to a cashless society. Privacy concerns: The move towards digital payments raises significant privacy concerns. Every digital transaction leaves a data trail that can be exploited by governments and corporations for surveillance or marketing purposes, potentially infringing on individuals' privacy rights. Example: Concerns have arisen about the extent to which tech giants like Google and Facebook collect and utilise personal financial data for targeted advertising. Security risks: Despite advancements in security measures, digital transactions are not immune to cyberattacks and fraud. Phishing scams, identity theft, and hacking incidents can lead to significant financial losses for individuals and businesses. Example: In 2020, the UK's National Cyber Security Centre reported a surge in Covid-19 related phishing attacks, demonstrating the ongoing security risks associated with digital transactions. Long-term implications of a completely digital currency system Monetary policy challenges: A cashless society poses challenges for central banks in implementing monetary policy. Traditional tools like adjusting interest rates may become less effective, as digital currencies can be subject to volatility driven by global financial markets. Example: In the event of a severe economic downturn, central banks may have limited options for stimulating the economy if interest rates are already near zero. Financial dependency on tech companies: As cash disappears, individuals and businesses become increasingly dependent on technology companies for their financial services. This concentration of power raises concerns about monopolistic practices, accountability, and access to essential financial services. Example: Tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google are expanding their financial services, potentially increasing their control over the financial sector. Loss of anonymity: A cashless society erodes the anonymity that physical cash provides. Every digital transaction can be tracked, potentially inhibiting personal freedoms and leading to a society of surveillance. Example: In China, the widespread adoption of digital payments has been accompanied by the government's ability to monitor and control citizens' financial activities, impacting personal freedoms. Resilience to system failures: A completely digital currency system is vulnerable to system failures, whether due to technical glitches or cyberattacks. A lack of physical cash as a backup could leave individuals and businesses stranded in the event of a widespread disruption. Example: In June 2018, Visa experienced a widespread technical failure in the UK, leaving many unable to make digital payments for several hours. You may not think much of those pros nor be troubled by the cons of a cashless society; however, enough people are worried about the control and loss of freedoms that could be imposed by our government if cash no longer existed. Say you were classed as obese. To the government, you’re a potential drain on the resources of our NHS. Conspiracy theorists proffer that the powers-that-be would restrict your spending on fatty foods and unhealthy meals if the UK solely operated a digital currency. It seems there are plenty of people who believe that cash still has merit. Cash payments rose last year for the first time in a decade, increasing by 7% to 6.4bn. On a short break to a tourist town last week, I noticed two businesses clearly stating that ONLY cash could be used on their premises. I had to read their signs twice, as I’m that used to seeing businesses state that they’re card-only enterprises, certainly after the pandemic. I’ve read of many small businesses in the current-cost-of-living crisis that claim the fees that card companies currently charge are severely eating into their profits. Maybe they’ll also turn back to cash? What are your thoughts? Would you like to see cash phased out?

The landscape of UK holidays is currently experiencing a transformation. The pandemic-fuelled boom in overseas holidays looks to be receding, leading to a resurgence of interest in staycations. This shift involves various factors, which include rising interest rates, inflation, and the unattractive prospect of blistering Mediterranean summers driven by climate change—all of which have breathed new life into the appeal of staycations along the milder British coastline. During the pandemic, international travel restrictions and uncertainty surrounding foreign destinations saw many Brits turn their attention to domestic holiday options. Holiday-let companies flourished during lockdowns, providing a lifeline for those seeking a change of scenery within the confines of their own country. Coastal towns and rural areas, in particular, benefited from the influx of tourists looking for a taste of the seaside or a countryside retreat. The economic boost was significant, offering a silver lining amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. Ongoing concerns about health and safety during the pandemic also led people to prioritise destinations where they felt more in control of their environment. Familiarity with the healthcare system and sanitation standards in the UK was a reassuring factor during this time. Once flying restrictions lifted and social distancing was no longer a priority, however, Brits flocked to foreign climes. This proved what is a common reaction—when you’re prevented from doing something or going somewhere, that’s all you want to do or visit. Fast forward to 2023, and after a couple of post-pandemic trips abroad, some people have had their ‘fix’, and are now finding foreign travel less attractive an option than a UK staycation. Let’s explore the factors that have contributed to this… The raging wildfires and tourist evacuations across areas of Spain and Greece and the biblical downpours in such as Italy added an intriguing twist to the holiday landscape in 2023. These occurrences prompted some holidaymakers to reconsider their travel plans. Staycations, once viewed as a fallback option, once again gained recognition for their potential to provide a comfortable and enjoyable holiday experience. Travelling within the UK often involves fewer logistical challenges compared to international trips. There's no need for passports, visas, currency exchange, or navigating foreign languages and customs, making domestic travel more convenient. Economic uncertainty, inflation, and rising interest rates have also made international travel more expensive. Domestic vacations can be more budget-friendly, especially when considering reduced travel distances and costs. Whilst these factors have undoubtedly increased the appeal of UK holidays, an intriguing conspiracy theory has also emerged in some quarters and added more fuel to the fire. It revolves around the recent system failures within the air traffic control system, and it suggests that these disruptions may have been deliberate attempts from the powers-that-be to dissuade Brits from holidaying abroad. The theory posits that if the experience of travelling abroad becomes uncomfortably stressful, more costly than anticipated, and potentially detrimental to holidaymakers’ jobs due to unforeseen delays and disruptions, staycations within the UK may seem like a more attractive and palatable option. This alleged deliberate interference with air travel is seen as a means to bolster domestic tourism and stimulate the economy by keeping holiday spending within the country, and it’s also purported to be another push towards 15-minute cities and a controlled population. It’s important to note that such conspiracy theories lack substantial evidence and are often fuelled by speculation and conjecture. Authorities and experts in the aviation industry have already attributed said recent system failures to technical issues and operational challenges. This is my stance: I went with my family to Malta at the beginning of the year, which was our first trip abroad since the pandemic. Whilst an enjoyable break, I can relate to the inference that UK holidays are less stressful, and I didn’t even experience the delays and frustration holidaymakers affected by the air traffic control debacle had to endure. About the conspiracy theory mentioned above…I’m so distrusting of this government and the people who control our MPs and media that I can’t 100% dismiss it. So much of the diatribe the ‘tin foil hat brigade’ put forward in the early days of the pandemic has been proven to have had a ring of truth about it—so, what’s to say that, in twenty years’ time, we won’t say the same about this? The Tories are subtly pushing their 15-minute city agenda, where everything we need is on our doorstep and we will be forced to apply to leave our localities; this theory would underpin their long-term intentions. Time will tell.

It’s my second year at university and I’m still loving it, especially when I try new things. Last weekend was such an opportunity, as one of the biggest food festivals came to the city. Newcastle’s stunning Wylam Brewery is the perfecting setting for a great day out. It can be found in Exhibition Park, a place I know very well, having lived next to it throughout my first year at university. My friends and I arrived at the brewery and our first plan of action was to purchase tokens, which we could then exchange for a plethora of street food. It was £4 a token, which I first thought was quite expensive; however, in the current economic climate this could actually be considered reasonable to relatively cheap. After purchasing our tokens, it was time to grab a pint. There were so many options—from beers, ciders, lagers and IPAs, with the majority being craft. These certainly weren’t cheap but you don’t expect them to be when they’re not your typical branded stuff. I went for a pint of IPA called ‘Beyond the Dream’, which was exactly what I wanted; however, it was very strong. It’s fair to say that, after a couple of these, you would certainly begin to feel it. It was £8 a pint, a price that would normally make me wince, but I already knew it would be an expensive day and I’d tried to save accordingly. Pint in hand, it was time to experience the main event: food! I started with a Thai-inspired fish taco. Whilst the taco shell itself wasn’t very large, they definitely didn’t hold back when filling it up. The flavours were amazing, a good mix of sweet and savoury with a spicy kick that was subtle, but which did the job. I noticed an odd texture to the fish then I realised that it wasn’t fish at all but a plant-based substitute. It’s amazing how close the flavour was, but the texture was a little off-putting. It was probably my least favourite dish of the day, but that’s not to say it wasn’t tasty. And the portion size was a little stingy when you considered the price of the token. All in all, it was a great event that saw me try new foods and flavours I wouldn’t normally have opted for.

Throughout my childhood, I listened to my grandad as he regaled long, awe-inspiring tales of his days working at the coal face. Fourteen years down your local pit will leave you with no end of stories…from gas leaks to cave-ins. 6-year-old me was fascinated by these tales, as most young boys would be. I eagerly listened as he told me about his experiences, trials and tribulations as a miner. It’s safe to say that mining communities were some of the most resilient and tightly-knit in England during the 1970s and 1980s. Endless graft and thankless work bonded the miners and the rest of their community followed closely behind. One of the most crucial parts of a colliery was its brass band. Brass bands were particularly popular amongst miners. Even today, events like the Durham Miners Gala see thousands of miners pour into the city to proudly honour their heritage. The country's finest brass bands take pride of place. Unfortunately, despite the nostalgia that surrounds them, brass bands are dying out. The simple answer as to why this is concerns a lack of interest. Several developments, following their heyday in the 1970s and 80s, have led to brass bands’ gradual decline. One of these is the upsurgence of popular music streaming platforms, such as Spotify and YouTube. In the past, mining communities enjoyed listening to brass music, but as more and more collieries closed, their brass bands also went the way of the dodo. The few brass bands that have survived are living precariously—they’re low on members, short on funds, and they’re struggling to gather an audience. The lack of interest from younger generations is a real shame. Brass bands are such an important part of our heritage in the UK, and to see them slowly die a painful death is something I struggle with. Why should you care? Chances are that most of you reading this will have never had an interest in brass music. But perhaps it doesn’t have to be that way for the next generation. The first few years of our lives are the most formative. It’s a time when we’re more impressionable, quicker at learning, and hungrier for creativity than at any other point in our existence. I’m not saying that all children should be indoctrinated into brass bands, nor should they be forced to learn a particular instrument, but there have been significant studies carried out by major universities and institutions that prove the profound beneficial effects that learning a musical instrument can have on a child’s development. Statistics show that it can make them more creative, more adaptable and more sociable. Those are some great skills to harness, wouldn’t you agree? These skills can be gleaned from learning to play any musical instrument, from the piano to the electric guitar to the drums. So why do I recommend brass? Learning to play a brass instrument helps to strengthen your lungs. In several cases, and contrary to popular belief, it actually improves breathing conditions such as asthma, as it teaches you how to control your breathing and your airflow. Additionally, the social skills that come from playing in a band are invaluable. The brass band community is ever so welcoming to new, younger players. No one will ever put you down for not being ‘good enough’ or ‘not learning quickly enough’. To this day, I clearly remember my first experience with an adult brass band. All week, my 9-year-old-self had been nervous. I questioned myself on whether they would like me, how intimidated I would surely feel… within that first two-hour long Friday night rehearsal, I already felt a part of something special. That’s what a brass band is and that’s everything it stands for. A brass band is a family.

For anyone not familiar with this particular generation, Gen Z refers to anyone born between 1997 and 2012. As of 2023, many Gen Zs are becoming teenagers—some are already in their early twenties. As someone of this generation, I’m puzzled as to why many older people seem to be so prejudiced and wary of the ‘young ‘uns of today’ (as my extremely northern grandparents would describe us). This distrust appears to stem from the behaviour of a few rowdy outliers (they seem to forget that they’d have had rebels in their own generations). Another huge reason behind the flak Gen Zs receive comes from their adoption of social media. I can confidently say that not all people between the age of 9 and 24 are horrid, juvenile delinquents! However, for a few reasons, my generation, in comparison to older ones, admittedly has fewer social skills. Physical, face-to-face interactions can feel alien and unnatural to many young people today. Do I mean that every single person in this age range is unable to communicate in a real world scenario? No, not at all. But there is a significant number of young people who lack social understanding and communication skills to such an extent that they come across as ignorant, uncooperative people with whom it’s difficult to engage. Unfortunately, such issues can quickly become stereotypes. Before long, the whole generation becomes tarred with the same brush, and every single young person is branded ‘uncooperative’ or ‘socially awkward’. On occasion, this can be completely true. Gen Z’s lack of social skills can lead to confrontation between parents and teenagers, or young workers and managers, which can result in an immense distrust in the social capabilities of the whole generation. Unfortunately, for myself and my peers who can socialise in the traditional way, i.e. face-to-face, we often face surprise and sometimes disbelief—as many older people do not expect any form of conversation from people my age. Gen Z’s perceived lack of social skills, in my opinion, is synonymous with the rise in popularity of social media. So many of us were born into a world where physical experiences and digital platforms were two very different things; the latter seemingly less scary. This, coupled with being unable to mix during Covid, formed a slippery slope. Instead of creating social bonds in schools, face-to-face, conversations and friendships moved online—with platforms such as WhatsApp, and later SnapChat, effectively murdering the concept of physical relationships. Kids and teenagers poured their energies into learning how to digitally message each other in such a way that they avoided social rejection or being branded ‘uncool’. In-person interaction became less important or unnecessary. More and more of Gen Z’s social interaction became digitalised during lockdowns. And it’s only in recent years, as the generation entered the workplace, that it became clear how necessary in-person social skills are, and how far behind some young people are in this regard. That said, in reality, Gen Z is just as sociable as any other generation. After all, it’s our basic human instinct to be social. The problems begin when this socialising is not just carried out but wholly contained within online platforms instead of in the real world. So, what’s the answer? If you want to engage an ‘unsocial’ Gen Z, try not to instantly bring them down for their lack of social skills. Instead, work with them, help them to understand the basic principles of communication. Teach them how to effectively listen to others and the art of reading social situations. Help them form friendships and interests offline. I reiterate, Gen Z can communicate. They just need to be encouraged to do so. Written by an anonymous Gen Z.

In a matter of days, most of the restrictions we’ve been living under will be lifted. One of these is the recommendation to work from home; the government will leave it up to employers to decide whether they continue with remote working, a hybrid arrangement, or if they insist that the entire workforce returns to the office. Of course, there are many industries whose employees have never changed their working arrangements, because they cover key services or they’re front-facing/work directly with the public. Office workers and employees in other sectors, however, have been able to work from home during the pandemic, though this may now change. So, are we all raring to return to the office? Opinion is still divided. There are those that relish being back in the office, whilst others are counting down the days to returning with a sense of dread. There have even been some who have handed in their notice when asked to return to their employers’ headquarters, such is their desire to continue working from home. I read about one household, where the husband had been working remotely for the last fifteen months. There wasn’t much space in their home, and he’d been working from a desk in the corner of their lounge. He was in no rush to go back to his employer’s; however, the rest of the family were desperate for things to return to normal. The kids, who were instructed not to make any noise during working hours. The wife, who wanted to use the lounge during the day as a family room, but who was instead relegated to the kitchen. In their situation, the husband/father permanently working from home would be disastrous, even if he couldn’t see it himself. Few people, back in March 2020, would have foreseen the length of time the pandemic would impact our daily lives. Initially, arrangements like this family had to endure may have been tolerable, because they were deemed to be short-term—but living like they do, day in, day out, year upon year…it’s not realistic. I’ve also seen a number of discussions online about employers who promised a hybrid approach to working when things returned to normal, i.e. a few days at home and a few days in the office, but who have now reneged on such agreements. Other companies have gone as far as to ask their employees what they would like, with regards to their working situation, before deciding that everyone must be office based—despite the fact their employees had overwhelmingly plumped for remote/hybrid working. You would, in their position, think, ‘What was the point of all that?!’ As someone who isn’t as productive when working from home (I have a lovely, separate office, and no kids to keep quiet—I’m just very easily distracted), I’m happy to work from my employers’ offices. I just need scientists to invent teleporters to get rid of my commute, then life would be perfect. This is my personal choice from a privileged position; had my girls still been toddlers that needed to be silenced for eight hours a day, or I was required to be productive, sat on my bed, my laptop on my knees, for the full working day, I’m not sure I’d want to be a homeworker. I truly sympathise with the family mentioned above, and many others across the country who may be at loggerheads over the issue. The question of whether to return to the office, in my opinion, is not just one for the employee, but of their whole family if the decision is likely to impact everyone in the house. If an employee doesn’t agree with their employer’s decision to return to the office, of course, they are free to vote with their feet and find another position that is happy to accommodate them; that said, the job market is not quite as easy to conquer as it may have been, pre-pandemic. Whether a key worker or home worker, it’s not really a case of ‘back to the grindstone’. It’s been bloody hard work for most people these last fifteen months…did we ever leave the grindstone to return to it?