Office workers - Cambridge needs you

Sponsored feature | By Ian Sandison, CEO of Cambridge BID

This week, Apple CEO Tim Cook has mandated his California HQ workers return to the office three days a week. He suggests this is good culturally and of course for productivity.

I have not been to Cupertino, but I guess having invested $5billion over 15 years to design and build a 176-acre campus for 12,000 staff, then Mr Cook wants to see it being well used.

Elon Musk took a different approach, demanding his staff return to the Tesla office, saying that not turning up was an indication you had resigned.

This brings us around to the debate about UK office workers and how much flexibility there should be. I don’t wish to get embroiled in the workings of Cambridge businesses, but I do know that our high street needs office workers in their offices on a regular basis.

Regular footfall is the real lifeblood of any business. Much like a local pub has its regulars, then bars, cafés, restaurants shops and hotels need these also. Office workers are good for the local economy, they underwrite other support jobs such as reception, security and cleaning staff, they use local delivery services, they use taxis and the many events that occur in offices are often buying in food and drink from local suppliers.

Of course, there is the huge economic boost of coffee on the way to the office, purchases during lunch and breaks and the very important after work drinks or dinner that are very good culturally, and are vital to get to know your colleagues and support local businesses also.

We have some great office-based businesses in Cambridge and there is plenty more office space planned in the next few years.

As our city evolves to meet the needs of our future society, I would embrace more office space in our city and encourage office workers to enjoy Cambridge as though it was their home town.

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