Working at home leaves employees distracted

Brits working from home have admitted that distractions can lead to nearly five hours a week of food, FIFA and Facebook, according to a new study. As around 4.2 million of UK employees are working remotely, employers face fears that workload isn’t being monitored carefully enough. The report suggests that over half eat snacks and go online to avoid work, while 39% admitted to watching TV during work hours.

While one in 10 of the 2,000 people surveyed admitted to visiting family or friends when they were supposed to be working, and a third admitted to working from under the covers of their bed all day, the company behind the survey is reminding bosses that regardless of the distractions, the most important factor to monitor is a worker’s efficiency.

“If you really think your employees are not working unless you are over their shoulder, you may need to have a good look at their output or consider more time spent in the office,” said Roger Turner, managing director of Printerland. “It can be difficult for an individual to motivate themselves when working in a relaxed environment, and interaction with other people can be a driving factor behind their motivation and promotes an increase in productivity.”

Similarly, too much socialising and office distraction can also prove to be a hindrance, and many workers admitted that the flexibility outside of rigid work hours as well as eradicating the morning commute lets many fit their work responsibilities around their home lives and growing family, as one in five believed they had childcare problems that prevented them from working normal hours.

“Working at home gives people much more flexibility with hours, considering issues with childcare,” continued Mr Turner. “But employees have to give something back for being allowed to work at home!”