The concept of working from home is to become a day to day reality for many public sector workers as the Civil Service has announced plans to revolutionise its working patterns.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude and the new head of the Civil Service Sir Bob Kerslake explained that the Olympic Games have provided a catalyst to review the service's working patterns.
It is hoped that the changes will eventually deliver a “more corporate” service, boosting efficiency and easing the pressure on London's transport system by embracing new technologies, such as video conferencing.
“The vision is to get a more collaborative way of working, a more corporate way of working in the Civil Service,” Sir Bob told the paper. “I think a less hierarchical way of working is good for those in it because they get less of a sense of having to clear everything through a long chain.”
He already works from home himself on occasion and is also working at embracing alternative forms of transport to the office when possible.
However, both men conceded that not everyone will want to work from home and not all government work can be done offsite. But the shake-up should improve efficiency overall and make things more flexible for employees. 
