Coronavirus: Half of Brits say they are more productive working from home
Half of Brits have found themselves to be more productive working from home under lockdown measures.
In a survey of 1,481 people by printing company Cartridge People, 50% admitted to getting more done since they made the switch to remote working to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures released in March 2020, of the 32.6 million in employment, around 1.7 million people reported working mainly from home. As the pandemic swept through the UK, lockdown measures meant almost everyone had to do so.
Once these restrictions are fully lifted, a third (32%) of workers will look to work from home on a daily basis, the survey revealed. Only 18% of Brits now prefer the traditional office environment, which could mean a significant change for employers who may become inundated with requests to carry on homeworking.
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The study also found just 1% actually dislike working from home, with 60% saying they’re actually enjoying it.
Only 13% confessed to feeling easily distracted, while the added flexibility of remote working was highlighted by the 22% who said they work outside of office hours. In fact, only 38% keep to the 9am to 5pm traditional routine of office life.
"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 well-being and productivity point of view,” Claire Conlaund, managing director at training provider The Skills Network, said.
In the past, remote working could be viewed as problematic for those who suffer from loneliness. However, advances in technology and changes to the way meetings can be held could be the reason 58% said they never feel lonely when working from home.
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The report did find 14% often do feel lonely. which is a concern for workers who have heard rumours of their business becoming fully remote-working once lockdown is over.
“Businesses need to keep a close eye on the well-being of those staff working remotely, and really level up their approach to line management, mental health awareness and staff resilience,” said Conlaund.
