A recent report highlights the superior productivity and satisfaction of remote workers compared to hybrid and in-office counterparts.
- The study surveyed over 1,000 UK employees from Gen Z to Boomers, revealing that 67% of remote workers rate their productivity as high.
- Remote workers experience the best work-life balance, with 59% feeling they have sufficient leisure time.
- A potential policy shift may soon grant flexible working as a day one right in UK workplaces.
- The report underscores the importance for businesses to adapt to remote-first frameworks effectively.
In a comprehensive survey conducted by Employment Hero, a significant trend has emerged: employees who work entirely from home report higher productivity and satisfaction in their roles compared to those who are in hybrid or fully in-office positions. Specifically, the report notes that 67% of fully remote workers rate their productivity as high, illustrating a stark contrast to the 54% observed among hybrid workers. This data supports initiatives by the Labour government to reform working conditions, including introducing the right for flexible work from the first day of employment and establishing a ‘right to switch off’ outside of work hours.
The findings indicate that remote workers enjoy the most favourable work-life balance in the UK. Approximately 59% of fully remote employees felt they had ample time for relaxation, compared to just 46% of those permanently in an office setting. Furthermore, an impressive 57% of remote workers reported an improvement in their work-life balance over the past three months, a sentiment shared by only 44% of hybrid workers and 38% of those strictly in-office.
Employment Hero, an entirely remote organisation with over 1,000 employees worldwide, advocates for governmental guidance on effectively managing a remote-first business approach. Kevin Fitzgerald, the UK managing director of Employment Hero, emphasised the necessity for businesses to adapt without merely replicating in-office practices within home settings. According to Fitzgerald, a well-organised remote work setup can result in increased productivity and a better work-life balance, but this requires specific skills and strategies to execute successfully.
Employment Hero’s commitment to a remote-first policy has evidently borne fruit, marked by a 300% rise in job applications since its adoption. The report further illustrates that remote workers are more comfortable engaging in financial discussions with their superiors, with 45% of remote employees at ease compared to 32% of office-based workers. This trend highlights the potential for building strong professional relationships within a remote work environment, defying traditional scepticism about remote communication barriers.
Gosia Bowling, a national mental health lead, highlights the shift in perception regarding flexible work. The report confirms that flexible arrangements can enhance efficiency by allowing employees to work during their most productive periods, thereby enhancing output quality. This acknowledges a broader transformation in workforce expectations, urging employers to realise that prioritising employee wellbeing is not merely an act of goodwill but a crucial component for sustainable business success. Employment Hero’s innovative use of AI tools in HR technology aims to equip SMEs with the necessary insights for nurturing a healthy workplace culture, further supporting the move towards a digitalised work environment.
The report clearly indicates that remote working significantly enhances productivity and work-life balance, necessitating a shift in business operating models.
