Is the Office Era Over? Welsh Government Faces Tough Choices as Attendance Plummets

The Welsh government is confronting a crucial dilemma: should offices remain open when attendance is dismally low? First Minister Eluned Morgan has issued a stark warning that the government “can’t justify continuing to hold offices open if people don’t turn up”. With staff expected to work in the office just two days a week, current attendance averages are concerning—only 16% across various offices and even less at the main hub in Merthyr Tydfil, where attendance dipped to a mere 9%.

The Welsh government oversees approximately 5,700 staff distributed across 20 locations, prompting a review of their office requirements, especially as remote work habits evolve. According to the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), these arrangements have proven effective, indicating a need for sustained support for remote work practices. Morgan emphasized the necessity of staff engaging in office work while questioning the viability of offices that are underutilized, hinting that some may face closure if participation does not improve.

Discussions in the Senedd highlighted the significance of maintaining offices across Wales, particularly for fostering community presence and supporting local economies. Russell George, an Independent MS, voiced worries about the potential closure of the Newtown office, which maintained the highest attendance rate of 22% in March.

Despite the pressure to reduce office space, the Welsh government acknowledges the constraint of needing staff dispersed throughout Wales to effectively deliver services. The latest State of the Estate report revealed that while many offices remained under-occupied, there’s an ongoing strategy to optimize space and adapt to evolving working patterns. Some offices have already seen closures or relocations as the government restructures its real estate holdings to better align with modern working needs.

The introduction of public sector tenants and efforts to adjust to a hybrid working model signify a shift in approach, aiming to balance operational efficiency with community service requirements. Advocacy groups like the PCS argue for the continuation of collaborative partnerships in reviewing flexible working arrangements, suggesting that a successful approach to hybrid working is key to attracting and retaining talent within the government.

As the Welsh government navigates these challenges, the debate over the future of office work continues, raising broader questions about the long-term implications of remote work on public service delivery and community engagement.