The office-centric model

I couldn't agree more Rodd Chant ®️©️ The office-centric model feels increasingly outdated when talent and ideas thrive beyond physical boundaries.

I’ve been working remotely since before it became mainstream (pre-COVID) and it’s always seemed daft to commute to an office just to join Teams calls all day. Embracing remote work opens up a global talent pool. 

Why limit hiring to one city

- 90% of UK roles are London-based

- Yet London accounts for only 16% of the population? But why stop at just the UK?

Centralisation might stroke egos and snob value, but does it genuinely deliver better quality work or value for clients?

Sadly, I’m seeing a shift back to rigid onsite or enforced 3/2 hybrid policies, sidelining the flexibility remote work offers. What’s driving this regression? For some companies, it feels like a need to justify expensive rented offices or “shopfront” studios, prioritising optics over outcomes. For others, it may stem from leadership struggling to communicate effectively in a remote setting...perhaps a symptom of micromanagement rather than a genuine need for physical presence. These outdated approaches risk alienating diverse talent and stifling fresh perspectives.

I am not saying that remote should be forced, but it must remain an option. 

As you highlighted, a lean, global “band model” with a core team and outsourced specialists makes far more sense today. Automattic’s success with 1,471 employees across 82 countries—without a single office—proves it’s not just feasible but thriving. Let’s prioritise talent over desks, ideas over commutes, and trust over control. Here’s to agencies embracing the future and leaving office nostalgia behind!