Helena Morrissey has called for the investment industry to exploit remote working changes implemented during the coronavirus lockdown to create more productive and inclusive workplaces.
In a piece penned for the Financial Times, Morrissey described the “mandatory remote working experiment” as a game-changer both for those who want flexible working and the workplaces that employ them.
It had been a practical illustration of what was achievable, she said. “When we could not prove that remote working could work, people were afraid to try it.”
Diversity initiatives are at risk of being sidelined in the months ahead but could play an important role in rebuilding workplaces and businesses, the St James’s Place non-executive director and former Newton chief executive said.
> See also: Home working tips from Quilter Cheviot’s former submariner
Remote working has made us more human
For many people, working from home had improved wellbeing and productivity, she said.
“Modern ways of working, more engaged leadership, smarter use and higher prioritisation of technology, and closer relationships with colleagues and clients are all, finally, being shown to be not just possible, but desirable.”
“Colleagues who would never have shared aspects of their lives outside the office are now offering and receiving glimpses into each other’s worlds. Remote working has made us more human.
“Chief executives who would never have worked from home or permitted their assistant to do so have embraced the change and are leading with greater awareness of their colleagues’ wellbeing and with more humanity. Communications are more plentiful and more imaginative, and we are learning quickly.”
Transformative for inclusivity
She said this could be transformative for the inclusivity of the UK investment industry, where currently 4% of money managed is run exclusively by women compared to 85% managed solely by men.
“The gender pay gap — based on last year’s data — is the second largest of any UK sector, beaten only by investment banking. The fallout from Neil Woodford’s collapse has further tainted the industry’s reputation.”
> See also: UK government’s remote working push is no excuse for funds to underperform
