Remote workers report being happier, healthier, and more productive
New survey may encourage some employers to think twice about their RTO policies.
Employers determined to eliminate remote working opportunities in the wake of the pandemic might want to rethink their strategy. According to a new survey, remote employees report increased productivity, greater job satisfaction, and improved mental and physical health.
The “2024 Culture Predictions Report” from homeowner technology company Thumbtack examines the advantages and disadvantages of in-office vs. remote work and is based on a market survey of remote-first professionals who previously worked in an office environment. It also makes a case for why return-to-office mandates could wind up costing businesses big time.
More than 50% of respondents said they would require at least a 30% pay raise to return to the office, and 36% said they would seek new job opportunities if asked to come back to the office.
“The success of a business depends on the success of its people, making it vital that leaders actually understand what helps their employees thrive,” Jelena Djordjevic, Vice President of People at Thumbtack, said in a statement. “In the year ahead, companies that force employees back into the office will see decreased engagement and increased attrition. After getting a taste of the benefits of remote work, employees will seek out companies that provide the flexibility they desire.”
According to the report, here are three reasons why remote work is driving such positive outcomes:
- Heightened productivity: Seventy-four percent of employees and 75% of senior leaders (vice president and above) report increased productivity in remote work environments. Such an environment helps avoid burnout, creates less anxiety, and reduces the influence of office politics.
- Career development: Nearly 70% of employees actively pursue additional professional development opportunities, utilizing newfound flexibility to acquire new skills.
- Work-life integration: More than 80% of employees say they’re less likely to be forced to choose between family and career, feeling that they’re able to be both a good employee and a good parent.
“Many leaders are making workplace decisions based on fear or lack of control, instead of looking at the data and adapting their approach,” noted Marco Zappacosta, Thumbtack’s CEO. “Virtual work drives powerful results … while also alleviating challenges around recruiting, retention and employee engagement. The key is not looking over someone’s shoulder, but rather creating intentional ways of working, setting clear expectations, and holding one another accountable.”
Related: Return to the office? No way, say more than one-third of remote workers
Other findings of the report reflect the impact remote work has on employee wellbeing:
- 76% of respondents are mentally healthier because of virtual work
- 67% are more comfortable taking time to go to therapy
- 73% are physically healthier
- 39% would have to forgo exercise to return to in-office work, the most common sacrifice
Survey results are based on responses from 1,000 adults in the United States between the ages of 22 and 65 and provided in early October. Read more about the report here.