After reading a recent MODUS article by RICS we thought we would review our own approach to working from home from three perspectives.
- The business
- The experienced employee
- The new starter
The shift towards remote working has transformed industries across the UK, and building surveying is no exception. While site visits and inspections remain an essential part of the role, many tasks such as report writing, project management, and client communications can be carried out from home.
For a building surveying practice based in the North West of England working for clients over a large geographical area, we find that balancing remote and office-based work is crucial for maintaining efficiency, employee satisfaction, and business success.
The Business Perspective
From a business standpoint, remote working presents several advantages. It can lead to cost savings by reducing the need for large office spaces, cutting down on travel expenses, and lowering utility bills. A flexible working policy can also help attract and retain talent, as many professionals value the ability to work from home at least part of the time.
However, there are also challenges. Managing workflow and ensuring consistent quality can be more difficult when employees are working remotely. While experienced staff may be self-sufficient, newer employees or those unfamiliar with the company’s standards may require closer supervision. Communication can also become fragmented, with fewer opportunities for informal discussions and quick problem solving that naturally occurs in an office environment. Additionally, fostering a strong company culture and maintaining team cohesion can be harder when staff are dispersed.
Questions to consider:
- Have we got the right balance between remote and office based working in our business?
- Are we maintaining strong communication and quality control when employees work remotely?
- Could we do more to support collaboration and knowledge sharing among our team?
The Experienced Employee Perspective
For seasoned building surveyors, working from home can be highly beneficial. Many experienced professionals already have the knowledge and confidence to manage their workload independently. The ability to work in a quiet environment, free from office distractions, allows them to focus on tasks such as report writing, analysis, and client correspondence. Remote working also provides greater flexibility in managing work-life balance, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
However, there are potential downsides. The lack of in-person collaboration may reduce opportunities for knowledge sharing and informal mentoring of junior colleagues. While video calls and messaging platforms can help bridge the gap, they are not always as effective as face-to-face interactions. Additionally, working from home for extended periods can lead to feelings of isolation, which may impact motivation and engagement.
Questions to consider:
- Do I work more efficiently from home, or do I miss the structure of an office environment?
- Am I staying connected with colleagues and sharing knowledge effectively?
- Could I benefit from a more structured balance between home and office working?
The New Starter Perspective
For new starters, particularly those fresh out of university or transitioning into the profession, remote working presents a unique set of challenges. While it offers flexibility and eliminates the stress of commuting, it can also hinder professional development in key ways.
New employees often learn best through direct supervision, hands-on experience, and observing how experienced surveyors handle projects and client interactions. Without the ability to ask quick questions or receive immediate feedback in an office setting, new starters may struggle to gain confidence and build essential skills. Remote work can also make it harder to integrate into the team, develop professional relationships, and understand the company culture.
To address these concerns, businesses should provide structured onboarding programmes, regular virtual check-ins, and in-person training sessions where possible. Assigning a mentor or buddy to guide new starters can also help bridge the gap and ensure they receive the support they need.
Questions to consider:
- Am I getting enough support and guidance while working remotely?
- How can I proactively build relationships with my colleagues and mentors?
- What training or resources would help me develop my skills more effectively?
Striking a Balance
A hybrid approach combining remote work with office and site-based collaboration can provide the best of both worlds.
By allowing employees the flexibility to work from home while maintaining regular in-person meetings and training sessions, businesses can ensure efficiency without compromising on quality, mentorship, or team cohesion.
Key strategies for making hybrid working effective include:
- Scheduled in-office days to facilitate teamwork, mentoring, and company-wide meetings.
- Clear communication channels such as project management software, video calls, and instant messaging to keep workflows smooth.
- Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions to ensure remote workers remain engaged and aligned with business goals.
- Support for professional development, including structured training programmes and networking opportunities.
By thoughtfully implementing remote work policies, building surveying practices like us can foster a flexible, productive, and sustainable work environment that benefits both the business and its employees.
Final things to consider:
- Is our current working model the most effective for our team?
- Are there any changes we could make to improve productivity and collaboration?
- How do we ensure new and experienced staff alike feel supported in a hybrid working environment?
- Will working from home affect the growth of our company? A topic for another time………