Man United's Office Policy Change Costs Club Amid Space Shortage
- The new policy banning flexible work was implemented in June 2024, leading to office space issues at Old Trafford.
- To address these problems, the club has been converting hospitality suites into office spaces after home games, causing temporary relocations for staff.
- This strict approach has led to significant job losses and coincides with a decline in the team's on-pitch performance.
In October 2024, Manchester United implemented a strict policy requiring employees to return to the office permanently, a move that has been criticized for costing the club financially. Flexible working arrangements were banned in June, leading to a lack of sufficient desk space at Old Trafford. To alleviate this issue, the club has employed a consultancy firm to convert hospitality suites into temporary office spaces after each home game, forcing employees to vacate their offices shortly before matches. This situation has caused disruption, as employees may work from home only when these makeshift offices are unavailable. The rationale behind the leadership's decision is that being in the office fosters team cohesion and spirit. However, this strategy has resulted in significant job cuts, with around 250 staff members let go, including those unwilling to comply with the new policy last summer. Furthermore, the leadership team has come under scrutiny for ending Sir Alex Ferguson's ambassadorial contract, indicating a broader shift in the club's management approach following the £1.25 billion investment by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The team's performance on the pitch has also declined, marking a challenging period for the club as they grapple with both internal and external pressures.