Knowledge workers have been found to be more productive when working from home, with a 4.4% increase in output. This is according to a nine-month study involving 16,000 employees, which also revealed that remote working resulted in employees working an additional 1.4 days per month.
The study attributes this productivity boost to a quieter, more convenient working environment and less time spent commuting. However, it’s not all positive. Remote working can lead to longer working hours and a blurred work-life boundary, which may negatively affect employee well-being.
Interestingly, the increase in productivity was more pronounced among experienced employees, suggesting that familiarity with job tasks can enhance the benefits of remote work. The study also found that employees who were allowed to choose their work location were more productive than those who were not given a choice.
Despite these findings, the study cautions against a one-size-fits-all approach to remote working. Factors such as job characteristics, employee preferences, and home environment must be considered when implementing remote work policies.
Ultimately, the study suggests that a hybrid approach, combining office and remote work, could be the most effective way to maximise productivity while maintaining employee well-being.
Go to source article: https://hbr.org/2020/08/research-knowledge-workers-are-more-productive-from-home?fbclid=IwAR2oav8niHWnXjRyzjuJnnkYhnsEnsx25_794TKyBOr4jN-H7VvdMSFndqA