TUI will allow staff to work from home permanently after the lifting of England’s lockdown restrictions next week.

The UK’s largest tour operator said that during the pandemic it realised that ‘almost all’ office-based roles could be done remotely.

In future, staff will only be required to go into the office once a month to attend face-to-face team meetings or collaboration events.

It said staff will be able to make their own choices about how often they would like to work in an office.

“Whilst TUI’s offices will remain open individuals will be able to decide what working environment works for them,” it said in a statement.

“TUI believes that this shift to permanent flexible working will not only offer greater flexibility and choice but also hopes that the proposition will attract future employees from a wider employment market in the future. “

It said research among its employees revealed many had discovered a better work-life balance that they would like to continue once the pandemic is over.

TUI has appointed Belinda Vazquez to the new role of Workspace Director, who said:  “At TUI we embrace the concept that work is something we do, not somewhere we go. 

“We have listened to our employees in order to define a clear framework that ensures ultimate flexibility, whilst creating positive experiences that enable all colleagues to feel like they belong and are valued”.  

Andrew Flintham, Managing Director of TUI UK & I added: ‘The pandemic has allowed us as an organisation to take a step back and make necessary changes to the way we work, communicate and collaborate.

“We believe that this move to a permanent flexible way of working will enhance our culture and organisational productivity, as well as allowing our people to have a great work life balance.”

TUI said the new ‘choice-based flexible ways of working ‘will come into effect when the UK Government removes office restrictions, and facilities will be re-introduced ‘in line with local office plans’.