Working from home is becoming the new norm for many industries. According to GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com, the number of regular work-at-home among the non-self-employed has grown by 103 percent since 2005, with 3.7 million employees now working from home at least half the time. Advancements in technology have made for a more flexible and virtual workforce, but many still perceive working from home as less productive and collaborative when compared to being in the office. The shift toward this trend of productive remote working, however, is just beginning and it’s gradually proving various work-from-home myths all wrong. Findings from a recent join.me survey bear out the growth of remote workforce collaboration and productivity, and the positive impact of technology.
How Working Remotely Works
Click through for findings from a study on remote workforce collaboration and productivity, conducted by join.me.
High Productivity
Most people feel equally or even more productive at home.
Eighty percent of remote workers are not as distracted as you may think in comparison to a day in the office. Sure, the TV might be on in the background, but a day at home reduces typical office interruptions so employees can crank out tasks more efficiently.
Less Stress
People who work from home are less stressed.
When asked why working from home feels more productive, a common answer was, “I’m more comfortable and at ease at home. I feel as if I’m not wasting time in traffic, at lunch, etc.” They cite fewer interruptions from colleagues, a quieter workspace and no commute, which keeps their productivity levels high and stress levels much lower.
Staying on Track
Sixty-one percent of workers have no trouble staying on track.
Even with to-do lists and agendas, meetings and deliverables change frequently. Constantly changing schedules could seem to pose an even larger challenge while working from home, but more than half of remote employees are keeping their projects on track. Through the use of email, text apps, and virtual conferencing, it’s becoming increasingly easier to get information and questions answered from dispersed coworkers in real time.
Staying Connected
Email is the top way to stay connected while working remotely.
Eight-nine percent of work-from-home employees use email to stay connected with coworkers and clients while remote. Since communication is both a major solution and obstacle when it comes to working from home, email is the way everyone can stay in the loop on projects, deadlines and meeting notes. While remote workers are frequently on the go, email is universal no matter what device you’re working from.
Comfort and Productivity
Productivity and comfort go hand in hand.
A major reason most remote workers feel more productive at home is because they experience higher levels of comfort in a less distracting environment. In fact, 33 percent of those who work from home stay in their pajamas all day. This quieter environment allows remote workers to focus better on completing projects, with most extending their hours beyond the 9-5.
Schedules
Two-thirds of remote workers don’t even change their schedule.
Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to rearrange your day anymore. With videoconferencing, mobile meetings, and collaboration software, it’s easier than ever for employees to keep their schedules as-is regardless of where they are.
Taking Breaks
Taking breaks for housework keeps productivity consistent.
When working in the office, you need to take breaks throughout the day to give your mind a breather, and working from home is no different. More than half of remote workers take advantage of breaks to cook, do laundry or clean the house. Keeping productive with house chores during a break will keep you motivated when it’s time to get back to work.
Rising Collaboration and Productivity
Increased collaboration and productivity is still on the rise.
As work-from-home opportunities continue to expand for employees across the globe, so does the need to keep productivity and collaboration high among a dispersed workforce. Using online meeting software is alleviating the feelings of separateness and disjointed work among displaced coworkers. The proof is in the productivity – 98 percent of join.me users say that the software has led to improved collaboration and work quality while at home.
