Mercer has set out plans to move to an agile office model on a permanent basis – closing a number of offices and modernising others as a result of both the acquisition of JLT in 2019 and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The firm said its plans - which will not involve any job cuts - will build on its existing flexible working policy and give all its remote workers access to offices.
It said the agile office model will result in the reduction of some office sizes and the closure of some physical spaces, with additional investment being made in other locations.
Mercer currently has 21 offices and 4,500 staff across the UK.
Its plans will result in the closure of office buildings in Croydon, Woking, Reading, Northampton, and Chipping Sodbury in South Gloucestershire. In addition, Mercer plans to make investments in renovation and modernisation of offices in Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Exeter, Glasgow and London.
The investments will focus on providing "modern and inspiring" workspaces that provide meeting facilities for clients as well places where colleagues can meet with each other, collaborate and learn. Globally, Mercer said it is investing in technology and digital collaboration tools to "further enable and enhance the client and colleague experience".
UK chief executive Sylvia Pozezanac said: "Following the Marsh & McLennan acquisition of JLT in 2019, Mercer's UK office space almost doubled. The plans we are announcing mark the completion of this integration project as we work towards using our facilities more effectively, to the benefit of all."
She added: "The way we all approach work has changed dramatically over the last few years. As an adviser and modern employer, we are committed to adapting how and where we work to meet the evolving needs of both our clients and our colleagues. For many years, our agile working policy has allowed employees to work remotely while servicing clients effectively and the pandemic has accelerated the speed at which we are establishing it.
"Our teams have demonstrated that they can successfully support clients and each other through working virtually, in a flexible and agile way. While the pandemic has reinforced our thinking and approach to agile working, our offices will continue to play a key role in driving collaboration and innovation and so we plan to continue to modernise them."
