​​When it comes to working from home, there’s something coming out of the data that big-businesses don’t like and it’s something you should take note of, otherwise it could be holding you back.

It’s been over 4 years since remote working was pushed into the mainstream as Covid swept the globe but after the virus subsided, it looked like the new way of working was here to stay.

LinkedIn was peppered with pictures of people working from laptops by the pool saying how amazing flexible working was and how they’d discovered a work-life balance that brought new meaning to professional development.

But is it possible that people have been enjoying this new way of working just a little too much?

Now I get it. We’re all grown-ups and we should be trusted to do our jobs. But if that’s the case why are businesses peddling back their flexible working arrangements quicker than a remote worker can shut down their computer on a sunny afternoon?!

I appreciate I’m going to get a bit of flack for this but don’t shoot the messenger. Remote working is clearly causing a big issue for businesses and perhaps individuals could learn something from this?

After all, it’s not just my comments that are going to be unpopular. Businesses who are reducing the flexibility they require are losing employees, finding it harder to attract them, reducing their talent pools and generally ticking off their staff. So it’s pretty obvious that something isn’t working for them if they’re prepared to put up with the grief they’re getting.

Whether it’s restricted collaboration, lower knowledge-sharing, dropping productivity or restricted cultural cohesion, these don’t just impact businesses but hinder the development of individuals as well.

Assuming that businesses aren’t unnecessarily lining themselves up for “people-challenges” for no apparent reason, perhaps those who want to drive their career development forward might take a lead from these businesses and re-embrace a return to the office?