Studies suggest that around 70% of British office workers feel more productive working away from the office. 38% say they are more creative out of the office, and 90% say flexible working doesn't impact their ability to collaborate with colleagues.

Children are incredibly curious and ask so many questions, often with each question ending in “why?” In fact some of the questions they ask are astonishing and it makes you wonder how they came up with it. Apparently they average one question every two minutes. One of my favourites is from a little boy who asked why, if flies fly the right way up, they land upside down. That is a question I still don’t know the answer to.

Every year, despite my clearest and timeliest guidance, I’m approached by at least one client (usually a bit red-faced) who hasn’t taken my advice and they need me to sort out a Christmas party morning after the night before grievance or discipline.

Many employees love the idea of working from home. There are definitely some positives. You can wear what clothes you like because no one will see you. You can do the work when you like so long as you deliver it on time, on budget and to the right standard. You can avoid the discomfort of travelling in the rush hour. Homeworking saves you time and money.

Do your employees take responsibility for their actions? The ability for employees to take responsibility for their work and conduct is essential to their success and that of your organisation. If employees are not accountable, it sends a message to the rest of your staff that lower standards are OK. Other members of the team will start to resent the low-performing employee (and you) because they have to take on more work to make up for their teammate’s deficiencies.