A law firm says business is facing a "once-in-multiple generations" opportunity to reshape workplaces for good as many look to extend hybrid working despite the end of work-from-home guidance.

Earlier this week the government confirmed its 'Plan B' measures, designed to tackle a rising case in Omicron cases, were to revert to 'Plan A'.

As of Wednesday, people were able to return to the workplace, while next Thursday will see the end of the need for compulsory face mask use.

And, according to a new report commissioned by Kent law firm Rix & Kay, which has offices in Sevenoaks and Ashford, firms have an opportunity to change the working practices of staff by implementing strong hybrid working protocols.

The report, 'Making a hybrid workplace a great workplace', draws on research by the likes of the Chartered Management Institute and Microsoft's 2021 Work Trends Index.

It focuses on organisations looking to re-shape their workplaces as they emerge from the pandemic and look to adopt hybrid working models.

Richard Cripps, managing partner at Rix & Kay, explained: "This is a once in multiple generations opportunity to reshape workplaces for good for employers, their people and clients.

"If we can get this right, businesses will experience better outcomes, attract and retain great clients, recruit the best people creating a better future of work for us all.”

And it says mutual trust between business leaders and their people is key. The report concludes that those organisations who actively seek to earn trust, build trust and maintain trust will be "the winners".

Key practical steps employers should consider include: Reviewing working management practices, job descriptions, policies, working hours, billing and time tracking; assessing physical and mental health of employees; assessing workspaces owned or leased; getting hardware and software basics right; and involving employees in how they return to the office and work in new ways

It comes as Rix & Kay itself adopts its own hybrid working model. The full report can be found here.