Why the Third Floor Is Changing

Good morning, everyone. Before we get to the weekly figures, I want to say a few words about the move to shared desks, because I know there's been a fair amount of speculation in the corridors. First, what's not changing: nobody is losing their job, and nobody's salary is affected. What is changing is that, from the first of March, the third floor will switch to a shared-desk arrangement. Colleagues who are in the office three days a week or fewer will book a desk through the app, while those who are in four or five days will keep their current seats. I'd like to stress that this decision wasn't made lightly, nor was it primarily about cost. The survey in the spring showed that nearly half of you rarely used your desks on Mondays and Fridays, and the space is wanted for quiet rooms, which came top of your wish list. I recognise that some of you will find the change unsettling. To that end, we'll hold two drop-in sessions next week, one on Tuesday afternoon and one on Thursday morning, and Isla from facilities will be there to demonstrate the app. I'd ask you to come with questions and, if possible, a little patience, because we're unlikely to get everything right first time.