COVID-19 introduced the world to the importance of being in a field that makes it possible to work remotely. This does not mean, however, that remote working was only introduced then. Roles in marketing and communications, in addition to positions like software engineers, business analysts and related fields, have always provided the flexibility for workers to work in a hybrid capacity. During the pandemic, around 59 per cent of employees worked remotely in 2020. Since the pandemic, however, there has been a surge in remote job opportunities. Are remote workplaces preferred over companies that require workers to be present on-site? This is currently widely debated and has come down to the personal preference of companies. According to a new article by The Straits Times, a survey by Randstad found that 41 per cent of workers in Singapore would be willing to work remotely than receive bigger bonuses. This blog will detail how remote working has impacted employees.
How Much of an Impact Does Remote Work Have on Productivity
Remote work has affected traditional workplace practices to a certain extent. In the post-COVID world, around 16 per cent of companies worldwide are completely remote. While this demonstrates that some industries have welcomed this new culture, a large number of companies (44 per cent to be exact) find the traditional system to be better instead. Here are some interesting studies that have researched how productive an employee can be when they work remotely.
Stanford Found That Performance Can Increase up to 13 per cent
The University of Stanford conducted a study that included 16,000 participants from around the globe. In nine months, employees that worked from home were reported to find the working environment in a remote place of their choice to be productive. Several factors contributed to this, including a much quieter environment to focus on work calls and the ability to complete deadlines on time and finish all impending tasks due to fewer breaks and sick days. Since employees are in the comfort of their homes, they were reported to have completed more work per minute by 9 per cent.
Ideal For Employees in the Creative Industry
Creatives and innovators require inspiration. Sometimes, the mundane and professional environment at the workplace could be a hindrance to the productivity of such fields. As creatives generally seek inspiration from their surroundings, a workplace that embraces a corporate culture restricts their creative juices from flowing in the brain. Hence, unless you are an employee in a workplace with a niche office space, those who work remotely have better chances of finding inspiration as they are peacefully left to deal with their imagination without the interruption of others. Some case studies note that the comfort one feels in their home environment encourages employees to be more like themselves and be more creative.
Happier Employees Have More Productivity
Remote working has led many employees to feel happy and at ease. Employees who especially rarely spend time at home appreciate the flexibility work offers in leading a balanced lifestyle. Moreover, employees no longer have to spend hours on the road trying to commute to work, making it more convenient. Employees are also reported to be happier because platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and others create a space which makes it easier for employees to share ideas and speak up. The option to unmute, put it on the chatbox, explain it via a PowerPoint or draw it on screen all contribute towards making the employee feel happy, thereby increasing their productivity.
Less Social Interactions Means Few Distractions
Employees may waste a lot of time socialising instead of getting through their tasks. Employees restrict themselves from reaching their highest potential by losing focus whenever they take too many short breaks to chat over a cup of coffee at different times of the day or by taking longer lunch hours. Although employees are encouraged to take occasional breaks in an online setting, especially to avoid triggering headaches from staring at screens for longer durations, compared to taking breaks at the office, at home, you can restart work promptly or work whilst drinking coffee. Hence, while employees can still talk to their colleagues in an online setting, they will not be spending a little bit of time socialising.
Remote Working Is Not For Everyone
To a certain extent, remote work becomes possible if you meet certain conditions. Here are some reasons why:
The Lack of Proper Functioning of Signal, Data and Other Electronic Devices
To a certain extent, having the ability to work remotely is a form of privilege. Remote work requires a person to have a strong data connection. Hence, whether you are in a developing or a developed nation, ensuring you live in an area that provides you ample signal is necessary. Moreover, if the company you are working with does not provide an electronic device, you are responsible for ensuring you have the essential equipment and that they are functioning correctly. Any damage to them will result in sudden delays, which in a physical office could have been solved by simply changing your workstation.
It Can Be Very Distracting
Employees living with toddlers or with their families, in general, may find it very distracting to work from home. Not everyone has ample space in the household to tune all sounds out. This also means if more than one person is working remotely, there needs to be enough room for each of them to do work. It should be noted that this is not as simple as sitting in a common area. Remote employment often comes with multiple online calls, which may require you to attend or contribute. Being able to have the space to speak freely without disturbing the other is important.
Toxic Managers May Burn Employees Out
Certain companies feel that remote jobs are equivalent to their employees being available beyond their standard working hours. Hence, some employees oworkrking much more than they would in a traditional workplace. Some note that the ability to physically leave an office space after work is a way of formally acknowledging that the person can no longer work for the day until they return to work. However, where one is working at home, a company that has toxic managers may demand more work than usual, resulting in employees burning out. Hence, in multiple case studies, employees found themselves at extremely late hours for the first time.
Lack of Social Interaction Leading to Higher Levels of Stress
Trying to work remotely may not be the best if you are an extrovert. They tend to thrive more in the commercial world when talking, collaborating and working in groups. Despite preferring to be let alone, even introverts may also find an online work environment more stressful. This is particularly true towards employees doing internships or holding a position at an executive level. Unlike other higher positions, they need to communicate with others to ensure they are progressing well and hence, undergo more training. Training fellow employees may be hard on a virtual screen, thereby their productivity. According to a study by Qualtrics in Singapore, it was found that, in reality, only one-third of people find it productive.
So is Remote Work the Most Productive, Then?
There is no clear answer as to what form of work is the most productive. For some, remote work may be more productive. For others, the lack of socialisation and the feeling of not really working in a professional environment due to the lack of corporate culture could be demotivating. Some people want to dress the part, whereas others are only concerned about their work. What is suitable for one person may not be the best for the other. Hence, while the lack of social interaction benefits companies in terms of productivity by helping their teams to focus much better, it could, for another person, deter them from forming creative ideas. All of this indicates that a company’s success with a remote team completely depends on the company culture. Ensuring employees are not under unnecessary stress and allowing them to have a work-life balance is important to increase productivity.
