While working at home has posed some challenges, a pair of recent surveys suggest a majority of employees are enjoying their new working arrangements and want the remote option to continue after the pandemic has passed.
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In early 2020, as countries scrambled to stop the spread of COVID-19, legions of employees were sent home to log in remotely, some with as little as 24 hours’ notice. Many — as much as 30 to 40 per cent of the U.S. workforce and an estimated 59 per cent of the Canadian — have remained that way ever since.
And while working at home has posed some challenges, a pair of recent surveys suggest a majority of employees are enjoying their new working arrangements and want the remote option to continue after the pandemic has passed.
According to the surveys, conducted by Research Co. and LiveCareer respectively, 80 per cent of Canadian workers and 61 per cent of workers in the U.S. now favour remote offices. The Canadian stat is noteworthy, representing a 15 per cent jump since April, HR Reporter says.
Loneliness, reduced collaboration, and troubles with disconnecting after work were cited as the biggest remote challenges, but participants in the LiveCareer survey cited several benefits as well, including improved work-life balance, more flexibility, and an increase in productivity.
The option to work from home may become an increasingly important employment issue, with 29 per cent of the 1,022 participants saying they would quit their job if their employer bans remote work come 2022. For those that are forced back into the office, most said they’d prefer to be there between 1 and 3 days a week if possible.
Perks may be able to coax some back into the standard 9-5.
According to LiveCareer survey participants, some employees said they’d reconsider their stance for more paid time off, a raise, a reimbursed commute, or a more flexible schedule. Improved office spaces and stringent health protocols were also cited.
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