Leading communications company, Jabra, says that productivity has increased during the lockdown for UK workers. According to a recent study, 56% of employees that wouldn’t typically work from a remote environment, feel more productive in this environment than they do in the office. In spite of this, 50% of the people currently working from home are looking forward to the return to work.
However, 70% of employees say that they hope their employer allows them to work from home more regularly in the future. Almost half of all workers would welcome a flexible arrangement in the office that will enable them to split their time between the home and the office.
These insights come from a study into 1,000 UK adults currently working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rise of Flexible Working
According to Jabra’s insight, the pandemic has significantly increased the public’s appetite for flexible working landscapes.
70% of workers who don’t typically operate from home feel that the current environment has demonstrated that people don’t need a physical workplace to be productive. 53% of these people also say that not having to commute means that they have more time to get work done.
A lot of employees believe that continuing to work from home will be the best route forward. This is especially true in younger employees, aged between 18 and 34. Employees are demanding more clarity on future arrangements now, with 51% saying that they wish their employer was clearer about possible patterns of work going forward.
To continue in the flexible work environment, however, employees will need better technology. Only 30% of employees said that they feel they have the correct tools for productivity. On the other hand, around 46% of workers say that they wanted more IT support from their employer. For a third of home workers, audio-video and headphone devices are crucial to productivity. Other tech considered essential are dual screens and mobile phones.
Overcoming Distractions with Home Work
Previous studies from 2019 conducted by Jabra demonstrate that many employees feel distracted by colleagues talking and phone calls. Around 45% of respondents feel more productive at home because there aren’t as many distractions. However, some workers don’t feel as efficient because they can’t speak to team-mates. This indicates that the right hardware and software technology is crucial to improve productivity and collaboration.
Having access to the right collaboration platforms, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams can also be essential in helping those who feel lonely to interact with colleagues. According to Jabra Managing Director for EMEA North, Nigel Dunn, being able to work and collaborate well is crucial for creating productive working environments, whether at home or in the office. When you have the right equipment, anywhere in an office or meeting room, productivity doesn’t have to be compromised according to Jabra.
