A WHOPPING 98% of people currently working from home would be interested in a ‘work from the pub package’ if such a thing was on offer in their local.
Realisation is dawning that, although the pandemic has subsided, a substantial chunk of the UK workforce will not be returning to an office environment, as employers opt out of expensive city centre real estate.
But at the same time, the novelty of working from home may be wearing thin, as its costs on both domestic utility bills and personal mental health become apparent.
Could local pubs step into this gap? According to new research carried out on behalf of Star Pubs & Bars, over half (55%) of homeworkers would be open to working from a pub, and almost all (98%) said they would be interested in a ‘work from the pub package’ that included unlimited hot drinks and a light bite.
Of those interested in working from the pub, 45% would consider doing so as frequently as once a week and 65% indicated that it would suit them at least a few times a month.
In the survey, the age-group most open to working from the pub were 18–34-year-olds.
Key factors that could influence homeworkers’ decision to decamp to a licensed premises were comfortable chairs, which were a must for 74% of respondents; fast internet, almost equally important at 72%; and quiet spaces, required by 65% of the sample.
To help licensees capitalise on this potential income, all of Star Pubs & Bars business development managers are now holding face-to-face meetings with licensees to discuss their individual options and share free social media assets.
In addition, Star has created a range of point-of-sale materials that can be tailored to each pub and is subsidising their print and production by 50%.
Central Operations Director, Caren Geering, said: “It’s clear that there is a groundswell of interest in working from a pub. For those who can offer comfortable seating, a quiet space and fast internet, it offers an opportunity for additional income, a great way to attract new loyal customers as well as providing a community service.
“Offering unlimited hot drinks and a light bite as part of a Work from the Pub package would appear to be an essential part of the attraction.”
