May 9, (THEWILL)- Manchester United employees have been instructed to return to the office permanently from June 1st, marking an end to flexible working arrangements introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The directive came from part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, during an all-hands meeting last week, where he cited reduced email productivity on Fridays at another INEOS-owned company with home-working staff.
While many organisations adopted hybrid models post-pandemic, allowing staff to split time between home and office, Ratcliffe believes collaboration and connection are best achieved when employees work together in close proximity. An internal email stated the club aims to “create a high-performance environment where everyone can be their best, working together towards our common goal of football success.”
The move has faced pushback, including from interim CEO Patrick Stewart, who sought to protect existing flexible arrangements. However, Stewart’s impending departure was announced last week, clearing the way for INEOS’ plans. Consultancy firm, Interpath Advisory, has also been hired to review United’s business and operational costs, with staffing levels under scrutiny.
Implementing the office return poses logistical challenges, as United’s office spaces were reconfigured during the pandemic to accommodate hybrid working, resulting in insufficient desks at their Manchester and London locations. Cost-cutting measures are already underway, such as charging staff £20 for coaches to the FA Cup final and removing company credit cards.
As INEOS exerts its influence on Manchester United’s operations, the full extent of the changes remains to be seen. The restructuring promises to be comprehensive, impacting not just the club’s workforce but also its approach to player recruitment and business practices.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
