Insights

Office Workers In Favour of Home Working

Glassdoor Team

Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | 18 Mar 2020

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the UK Government has now advised that all unnecessary travel should be stopped, meaning all employees should work from home where possible. For many people, this may be a big adjustment to the way they usually work. However, research from Glassdoor* shows that the majority of the UK’s office workers are in favour of home working. Key findings from this research show:

Over three quarters (76 percent) of respondents say they support a mandate from their employer to work from home due to the outbreak of coronavirus
6 in 10 believe coronavirus response will relax remote work policies in the long run
The biggest advantage of home working for workers is saving money on commuting costs
Office workers believe employers should provide financial compensation if working from home for an extended period of time

Advantages of Working From Home Almost half (46 percent) of office workers say they would be equally as productive working from home as in the office, with almost a fifth (19 percent) actually saying they would be more productive. A further 42 percent say that the biggest advantage of working from home is that they can work at their own pace and manage their time better. Every hour counts when it comes to keeping on top of workloads. Thirty eight percent of those surveyed by Glassdoor say that working from home gives them a better work-life balance and over a quarter (28 percent) say that it is more compatible with family life. For some people though, home is simply quieter: over a quarter of people (27 percent) say that they have fewer distractions and can get more work done at home and a further 27 percent say they can get chores and errands done without the need to commute. It’s not just about time and work-life balance though, working from home is a big boost to the wallet. The number one advantage of working from home for UK office workers is that they save money by eliminating commuting costs (59 percent). Furthermore, one third (34 percent) say they can cook for themselves and thereby save the money they would have spent on lunch at work. Distractions While Working From Home Despite the overwhelming advantages that UK based office workers report when working from home, a quarter of office workers say that they do not trust themselves to work from home without slacking off. The primary dangers are watching TV (according to 30 percent of those surveyed), doing housework (28 percent) and checking social media (24 percent). Family life also inevitably intrudes on a perfect working day, with a quarter (23 percent) of people saying that taking care of family or children is their biggest distraction. For others, it is cooking (20 percent) and running errands (19 percent). Only 13 percent say that a quick nap would distract them and even less, 4 percent, say that they would be tempted to exercise instead of working. Claiming Household Expenses The UK is facing an unprecedented situation, with the duration of the Government’s suggested social distancing policies unknown. Some office workers believe that their employer should give them financial compensation if they are working from home for an extended period of time. In fact, 4 in 10 (38 percent) say they should be able to claim expenses towards their internet costs, 1 in 3 (33 percent) think they should get money towards their heating bills and almost a quarter (23 percent) want to claim against their mobile phone bill. Thirteen percent even want to claim for the cost of coffee and 7 percent want money to go towards snacks. Work From Home Resources

*This survey, undertaken by Censuswide on behalf of Glassdoor, surveyed 1,028 UK office workers between 11th - 16th March 2020.

Share this post on Twitter Share this post on Facebook Share this post on LinkedIn Share this post through email

Glassdoor Team

Our team of savvy experts are here to help you, whether you’re navigating your career or working to make your company culture shine. Glassdoor has the unique insights and guidance you need to experience your best worklife. Stick around to learn how to prepare for an interview, negotiate your salary, develop DEI programs, engage your employees, understand the state of the job market, and more. Check out our community to share and learn from professionals just like you too.

Tags:COVID-19Remote Working

Blog Home InsightsOffice Workers In Favour of Home Working

Office Workers In Favour of Home Working

Keep Reading

Insights

The True ROI of an MBA: Is It the Career Catalyst You Think It is?

Insights

The Future of Work: How AI and Automation Will Transform Your Career

Career Advice

Dating’s Influence on Workplace Trends