The UK’s delayed “freedom day” is here at last. In preparation, construction firms have been gearing up to get their office-based staff back at their desks. After 18 months of working in bedrooms and at kitchen tables, and despite much uncertainty as infection rates rise again, Monday 19 July signals the start of what could be rather more like normal working practice pre-pandemic.

But despite the government removing its guidance to work from home where possible, few employers are rushing to reset to 2019. Almost all firms Building has spoken to over the last few months are anticipating working from home to continue. Phrases like “flexible working” and “hybrid models” have defined the strategies of HR departments across the industry this summer. For now, giving staff more freedom to work remotely for at least part of the working week seems to have become fully established.

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