A recent report unveils that remote workers outperform their office counterparts in productivity and work-life balance. The survey, conducted by Employment Hero, surveyed over 1000 UK employees ranging from Gen Z to Boomers.
- 67% of remote workers rate their productivity as high, while only 54% of hybrid workers feel the same.
- The report supports Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plans to make flexible working a day one right.
- 59% of remote workers find time to relax, in contrast to 46% of office workers.
- Employment Hero suggests the government issue guidelines for SMEs to manage remote work effectively.
A recent report highlights the superior productivity and work-life balance of remote workers compared to their on-site and hybrid counterparts. Over 1000 UK employees participated in the survey, revealing noteworthy insights into the working habits and satisfaction levels of different work modes.
67% of fully remote workers rated their productivity as high, whereas only 54% of hybrid workers felt similarly. This finding aligns with the UK government’s initiative to revolutionise the working day, focusing on making flexible work arrangements a standard from the outset of employment.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s agenda for the coming months includes introducing a ‘right to switch off’ scheme, which will allow employees to disconnect outside of traditional working hours, further supporting work-life balance.
The study found that 59% of remote workers reported having adequate time to relax, which contrasts with 46% of office-based workers. Furthermore, 57% of remote workers believe their work-life balance has improved recently, compared to 44% of hybrid and 38% of fully office workers.
Employment Hero advocates for clear government guidelines to aid SMEs in adopting effective remote work practices. Their UK Managing Director, Kevin Fitzgerald, emphasized, ‘It’s time to settle the WFH debate once and for all – the data is clear: remote workers are more productive and enjoy a better work-life balance.’
Fitzgerald pointed out that the failure of the hybrid model is often due to attempts to mimic on-site practices in a home setting, which requires distinct skills and approaches. Employment Hero’s experience shows a substantial increase in job applications, attributed to their remote-first approach.
Adding to the discussion, Gosia Bowling from Nuffield Health noted that flexible work, when executed correctly, leads to increased productivity by aligning work schedules with employees’ peak performance times. She stated, ‘Contrary to the traditional belief that fixed working hours equate to productivity, done well, flexible working often leads to higher efficiency.’
The report aims to equip SMEs with the knowledge necessary to cultivate a conducive workplace culture, leveraging innovative technologies to streamline operations.
The findings underscore the growing necessity for businesses to embrace flexible working arrangements that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.
