People in the corporate world have different opinions when it comes to working remotely. Some say that a work-from-home setup can kill the employee’s productivity while others believe that it’s the other way around.
While both these thoughts are supported by data and research, no one was ever prepared to handle the sudden shift to remote work during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Companies and businesses had to switch to a remote or work-from-home setup for most of their employees in order to keep operating because of the dangers of the virus.
This change surprised not only the managers but the employees as well. And for the longest time, many struggled to adjust accordingly. Many ask how employee productivity can be managed under such circumstances.
With that, let’s take a closer look at the numbers regarding productivity in a remote work environment.
The Reality of Productivity in Remote Work
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The vast majority of employed people (82%) said they usually or always get their work done while they are in the office, according to a pre-pandemic report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A significantly smaller percentage of 24% said that they accomplish some or all of their work at home.
A different study supports the notion that people who work from home are 70% less productive than those in an office setup. However, it is important to note that these results considered work-life prior to the Covid 19 pandemic and the implementation of lockdowns all over the world.
During and after the pandemic, reports show a new trend in work-from-home employee productivity. Numerous reports show that remote work productivity increased during and after the pandemic.
Data shows a 47% increase in productivity and a 15% decrease in time spent avoiding tasks and work. However, some noticed a downward trend as long-term remote work took a toll on employees’ mental well-being because of the lack of social interaction. Therefore, leading to a decrease in job satisfaction and motivation.
Tips to increase the productivity of remote workers
The fear of the failure of a totally remote work setup still lingers among company leaders, managers, and the employees themselves. To prevent employees from feeling unsatisfied and unmotivated to work at home, managers should provide encouragement and avenues to promote a conducive work environment away from the company office.
With that, here are some tips that managers can use to boost the productivity of their team members working remotely.
Be organized
Working away from a corporate office can make your employees feel lost and disorganized as it takes them far from their established routine. So in order to keep their heads in the game, it is important for them to still feel some sort of structure while working.
To do this, managers should ensure that workflow and processes remain organized. Utilizing task management software such as Google Workspace, Trello, or Asana allows them easier access to their tasks. It also provides an easy way to track the progress and productivity of each employee.
Promote creating a comfortable and conducive workspace
In addition to possibly disorganized work and task management, the work environment at home is often not conducive to being productive and focused. Simple items such as proper lighting and a soft and comfortable chair can make a huge difference in the conduciveness of one’s space.
Taking this into consideration, managers should promote and support creating a conducive and comfortable workspace at home. If possible, provide employees with a work-from-home allowance, allowing them to purchase items that can make their workspace more comfortable as well as functional.
Encourage communication
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One of the biggest cons of working from home is the lack of social interaction. While some say that remote work prevents employees from wasting time in casual conversations, the lack of such experience can significantly affect one’s mental well-being.
To help with this, managers should encourage open communication by providing an avenue for team members to interact with each other outside of work-related activities. Simply encouraging employees to reach out to one another can help them feel more connected despite the physical distance.
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