Half of homeworkers admit they get more done when working from home according to a new report, which also reveals that once lockdown restrictions are fully lifted 32% of workers will look to work from home on a daily basis.
This comes after lockdown forced so many office workers to make the switch to remote working to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Only 18% now prefer the traditional office environment and this could mean a significant change for employers who may become inundated with requests to carry on homeworking.
According to the study, carried out Cartridge People, only 13% confessed to feeling easily distracted when working from home.
The added flexibility of remote working is highlighted by the 22% of people who work outside of office hours. In fact, only 38% keep to the 9am-5pm traditional routine of office life.
In the past, remote working could be viewed as problematic for those who suffer from loneliness. However, the advances in technology and changes to the way meetings can be held could be the reason why 58% say they never feel lonely when working from home.
That being said, the report did find that 14% often felt lonely and this will be a concern for workers who may have heard rumours of their business becoming fully remote working once lockdown is over.
The study also revealed that just 1% actually disliked homeworking, again maybe a number that is small due to the relative ease in which office workers can now switch to a remote location. 60% say they’re actually enjoying WFH at the moment.
Summary of key findings:
- Pre-lockdown, 29% were already working from home
- Post-lockdown, 32% said they would now be working from home everyday
- 22% work outside of usual office hours when working from home
- 50% admit to getting more work done when using a home office
- 54% say they’re happier WFH compared to 18% who prefer to be in a traditional office environment
- When WFH, 42% feel they have a good work-life balance. 24% say it can help them work around friends and family with 40% admitting it gives them more flexibility with their time
- 58% say they never feel lonely when working from home, 14% say they often feel lonely when WFH and just 1% always feel lonely when they’re WFH
- 60% enjoy WFH and just 1% dislike it
- Windows that can open is what UK workers (55%) look for most in an office environment
Claire Conlaund, Managing Director at The Skills Network, said: “The research clearly shows that staff can find some real value in working from home, especially around their time management and self-worth. When restrictions ease, businesses should speak to their staff and discuss how potentially introducing more flexible working arrangements could benefit them, from both a wellbeing and productivity point of view (extending these benefits post-lockdown). “Businesses need to keep a close eye on the wellbeing of those staff working remotely, and really level up their approach to line management, mental health awareness and staff resilience.”
You can see more statistics from the study at https://www.cartridgepeople.com/info/blog/homeworking-statistics.
