Remote work has become standard for millions across Britain, and one cricket organization has found a creative way to boost game attendance at their London venue.
Surrey County Cricket Club, among England’s top-performing teams, is inviting people who work hybrid schedules to bring their laptops to The Kia Oval, a historic 180-year-old stadium located south of the Thames River.
During the off-season, the club enhanced their wireless internet service and designated workspace zones complete with tables, electrical outlets, and unobstructed game views. They’ve branded the initiative “Work From Oval.”
The club has marketed itself as potentially the “best home office in the country” and playfully promises “we won’t tell your boss.”
Throughout the three four-day County Championship home games held this season, hundreds of people have embraced the opportunity to work from the stadium.
England’s top cricket league has faced criticism for years due to sparse crowds — often described as drawing only “one man and his dog,” though this characterization may be harsh.
This stereotype certainly didn’t apply at The Kia Oval on Friday during Surrey’s match against Sussex on opening day. More than 6,000 people attended, with numbers boosted by beautiful weather and the promise of a complete day of cricket lasting over seven hours.
While the venue can accommodate approximately 27,500 spectators, drawing 6,000 on a weekday represents solid attendance. The Oval regularly sells out for international England matches and Surrey’s shorter-format contests.
Harry Ashton, who leads Elite Finance Solutions, typically operates from a shared workspace in nearby Wimbledon. He eagerly took advantage of the chance to work at the Oval for only 15 pounds ($20).
“It’s not quite as good as Lytham Cricket Club,” he joked, referring to his hometown club in northwestern England.
Ashton was later joined by friends, and after completing several hours of work, they shared some drinks. The timing was perfect for a Friday, especially with a three-day weekend ahead due to Monday’s public holiday in Britain.
In recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 outbreak, many Oval attendees have been spotted with laptops nearby. The movement toward hybrid employment arrangements has arguably become the pandemic’s most lasting impact.
While increasing numbers of companies are requiring employees to return to physical offices, more than 25% of working adults in Britain continue to work remotely at least part-time, based on Office for National Statistics data. Some critics contend that hybrid work arrangements harm productivity, individual work habits, and the broader economic picture.
Evidence from this particular Friday showed that the dozens working from the stadium were genuinely focused on their tasks. People analyzed data and participated in video conferences.
“I have great belief in life generally, if you treat someone like an adult, they will behave like an adult,” said Neil Munro, owner of Munron Consulting Ltd. “I don’t see any downside provided everyone treats it with respect.”
Matthew Balch, an avid club cricket player himself, shares this view.
“I think all of the counties should lean into the remote worker-freelancer market to grow attendances,” he said.
Some employees were more cautious about their participation.
One 46-year-old woman employed by an international corporation requested anonymity, expressing worry about potential workplace perception issues.
A social stigma still persists around the practice.
