There is no doubt that the global pandemic changed the way people work.

The majority of countries imposed lockdowns which forced people to stay at home. 

Businesses had to quickly adapt, allowing employees to work remotely from home.

The US Census Bureau found that the number of people working from home tripled to 17.9% between 2019 and 2021. 

In short, it was a defining feature of the pandemic.

Perhaps more interesting is the fact that, despite the global pandemic officially finishing, only 50% of workers have stopped working remotely. 

One of the biggest concerns for employers of remote working has always been that productivity levels will drop.

However, if you take a look at the following work from home productivity statistics, you may be surprised at what you find.  

Key Statistics

• 70% of remote workers find meetings less stressful
• Home workers are, on average, 47% more productive 
• 77% of remote workers are more productive
• Only 65% of americans can successfully handle video calls
• Remote workers take 15% less time avoiding work
• It’s estimated 22% of americans will be remote working by 2025
• 70% of companies are changing operation methods to allow remote working
• 23% of employees would reduce their wages in exchange for working at home
• An average $11,000 is saved by any business per remote worker
• Remote employees pass on fewer tasks

Top Working From Home Productivity Statistics

1. 70% Of Remote Workers Find Meetings Less Stressful 

For most employees any meeting with management will instantly increase stress levels.

One of the biggest issues is knowing whether you are fully prepared and have all the necessary information to hand. 

After all, no one wants to look bad in front of the boss!

Remote meetings are automatically easier. You will feel less like you are put on the spot and more like your valuable opinion is being sought.

This usually works best when you are engaged in one-to-one meetings.

Owl Labs analyzed the statistics they collected and found that 70% of remote workers found meetings to be less stressful during the pandemic.  

Naturally, stress reduction will allow any employee to focus better on the task at hand. 

(Owl Labs)

2. Home Workers Are, On Average, 47% More Productive 

A survey by Prodoscore showed that remote workers were, on average, 47% more productive than their office-based counterparts. 

The study found they were most productive between 10.30 am and 3 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Interestingly, most remote workers still performed the standard 8.30 am to 5 pm working day.

In effect, remote workers are getting better at creating work schedules and sticking to them, despite being at home. 

The study also saw an increase in remote workers using email to stay in contact with colleagues. 

(Prodoscore)

3. 77% Of Remote Workers Are More Productive

A survey from Owl Labs showed that 77% of workers feel happier and more loyal after the pandemic if they are given the option to work remotely. 

In many cases this results in part-time remote working. 

But, it’s not just about feeling happier. The survey noted that productivity increases are not across the board.

The vast majority of remote workers, (77%), are more productive. 

The increase in productivity is related to the ease in which employees can start work.

There’s no longer a need to commute. This small change can save 8-9 hours a week. That’s time the employee can use for other projects. 

When you consider employees are gaining free time, it’s little wonder they work harder and become more productive in working hours.

It’s the most effective way to keep the remote working perk.

The productivity increase is also associated with less time talking to colleagues, such as hanging out making coffee. 

Additionally, remote employees have more time to exercise.

This is important for mental and physical health, effectively relieving stress and improving focus. 

(Owl Labs)

4. Only 65% Of Americans Can Successfully Handle Video Calls

A post-pandemic survey highlighted the biggest issue with remote working.

Currently, only 65% of Americans have fast enough internet to successfully work from home. 

This means internet which can allow the employee to make and receive video calls smoothly.

While it’s possible some employees can manage without video calling, the vast majority need it for smooth connections and processing of work.

Alarmingly, 26% of employees working at the office didn’t have fast enough internet to handle video calls. 

The survey highlights the need for software and hardware investment by employers.

(Stanford)

5. Remote Workers Take 15% Less Time Avoiding Work

A survey conducted in early 2020 showed that remote employees spent more time working and less time finding ways not to work. 

The main reason for this is a reduction in distractions.

While a home can offer an array of things which seem more appealing than work, most employees appreciate the need to get a job done. 

Removing distractions such as chatting with colleagues and completing drinks runs effectively reduces the amount of time employees spend procrastinating. 

(Airtasker)

6. It’s Estimated 22% Of Americans Will Be Remote Working By 2025

Upwork is one of the biggest names for freelancers.

It connects employers and employees, promotes remote working opportunities, and facilitates the hiring process. 

A survey conducted by Upwork after the pandemic showed that the level of remote workers is continuing to rise.

In fact, it predicts 36.2 million people will work remotely by 2025. That’s 22% of Americans. 

Impressively, that’s an 87% increase in comparison to before the pandemic.

This figure does favor professionals as they will generally find it easier to work remotely.

However, even those workers who need to be physically present are likely to use more software than before the pandemic. 

The software chosen will aid the work process. 

(UpWork)

7. 70% Of Companies Are Changing Operation Methods To Allow Remote Working

As the pandemic hit and lockdowns became the norm, employers quickly realized they needed to update their current operation methods. 

Thanks to fears regarding productivity levels, companies have been reluctant to allow remote working. Before Covid, there was no incentive to improve systems and encourage remote working. 

However, once the lockdowns demonstrated that remote working was a viable option, many employees have dedicated time and money to adjusting management processes and available software. 

In short, an impressive 70% of businesses have embraced remote working for today and the future. 

The change in operation methods has also allowed these businesses to re-energize their outlook and connect with potential customers via social media. 

(Codility)

8. 23% Of Employees Would Reduce Their Wages In Exchange For Working At Home

The prospect of remote working has always been received with a mixed reaction.

Employers have been concerned about productivity levels.

In contrast, employees are worried about the lack of contact with colleagues and the loss of the workplace atmosphere. 

Covid-19 has forced many employees to work remotely.

It allowed them to realize that remote working could provide a better work-life balance

As such, 23% of employees would be prepared to take a reduction in their wages in exchange for being able to work remotely. 

Impressively, this 23% of employees would be happy to take a 10% pay cut if it meant they could work from home.

The business can save money while improving the work environment for staff. That results in better staff retention rates and happier, more engaged staff.

(Owl Labs)

9. An Average $11,000 Is Saved By Any Business Per Remote Worker

Employers may be surprised to discover that remote workers don’t just improve the bottom line through higher levels of productivity.

They also offer an array of other savings.

For example, less office space is needed. Remote workers also don’t need access to refreshments and are less likely to be absent.

The reduction in office space also means fewer computers, chairs, desks, and associated stationary. 

Alongside this, the company will benefit from reduced heating bills and even a reduction in car parking costs.

A survey by Global Workplace Analytics estimated that the average business would save $11,000 thanks to one employee working from home.

Those savings quickly add up across multiple employees!

(Global Workplace Analytics)

10. Remote Employees Pass On Fewer Tasks

A post-covid survey highlighted both improved productivity and greater responsibility for tasks.

This is generally considered to be a result of more accountability. 

After all, it’s harder to pass on a task to others when working remotely without there being a record of it. 

The result of this accountability is a 50% increase in tasks performed by individual employees.

Alongside this, the number of tasks passed to others was seen to drop from 41% to a more realistic 27%.

It should be noted that this doesn’t affect the quality of the work done, it simply saves time by avoiding passing work off to others.

(Zippia)

Challenges Faced When Working Remotely

While working home from home is a more productive option for most workers, it is important for all employers to be aware of complications which can arise. 

Poor Wi-Fi

The most obvious issue with home working is a poor Wi-Fi connection.

If the upload and download speeds aren’t fast enough employees will be unable to confidently and competently communicate with colleagues and clients. 

Poor Wi-Fi means connections will drop out, potentially leaving a customer mid-conversation. Intermittent dropouts can also cause confusion between colleagues.

It’s potentially possible work will be missed or duplicated due to connection issues. 

Personal Discomfort

The vast majority of employees welcome the opportunity to work from home/.

However, companies need to be mindful that there are always some who don’t. 

Employees that prefer to work in the office may find there are too many distractions at home, they may not be comfortable working from their home, or they may not have the space and equipment they need.

After all, there is a big difference when working at home from a dedicated office as compared to the corner of the dining room table. 

Of course, most employees will have a computer at home.

However, to work at home they will need additional apps. These will need to be loaded, assuming the computer has enough memory and processing power. 

Excess Loads

A survey by Travelperk discovered that 51% of workers from home are worried about taking on too much work and burning out. 

The issue is likely to be caused by back-to-back phone calls, leaving employees no time to breathe or consolidate their work. 

Home workers were also concerned that they would need to work additional hours to complete all the assigned tasks, increasing the likelihood of burnout. 

It’s important for all employers to be aware of these concerns and take steps to alleviate them if they are promoting working from home. 

Summing Up

The above working from home productivity statistics show that this can generally be a good experience for employers and employees with productivity and staff happiness improving.

This can even help staff retention levels. 

However, as with any change, there are also downsides and these should be carefully considered before remote working is continued post-covid. 

With the right protective steps taken all employees working from home can find it a pleasant and beneficial experience. 

Sources