We are living in an era where technology is constantly evolving. This constant change has reshaped our needs as well. We have now turned to ways that are smarter and easier. We have also acquired the ability to find solutions according to the conditions. If we face a new situation, we now adapt to it better. This is all due to the smart use of technology. It has made our brains function faster.
Likewise, the working dynamics across the world have also evolved. The world no longer functions the way it used to. Traditional working principles are now replaced with new ones. Typical office settings have been modified. Many modern ways of working have been introduced. The most popular one of these is remote work. Over the last two decades, remote work gained a high demand. Many companies introduced it and made it a part of their working processes.
Why Remote Work Became So Prominent?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, everything had to shift to online mode. From educational institutions to offices, everything started operating online. The sudden change was stressful for many but eventually, we got used to it. We started adapting to the new ways. That is when remote work’s popularity and utility reached its peak. Since it wasn’t safe to go outside and work, companies shifted to remote work. Instead of letting the businesses shut down, they turned to the new working mode. Remote work proved to be a total life saver in this regard. After the pandemic ended, it naturally became a part of almost every company’s operations.
Overall Impact
Everything in the world has its pros and cons. Likewise, remote work also comes with its benefits and challenges. While it is a useful way of working, it has some drawbacks too. Some people may find it very useful, while others may not. The overall impact on employee well-being and productivity varies from person to person.
This blog will explore the impact of remote work on employee well-being and productivity. But let’s first understand the basics.
Understanding Remote Work
Remote work involves working outside the traditional office setting. It gives employees the freedom to work from anywhere they find suitable. They can work from home, any library, cafe, or coworking space.
Remote work can be done in two settings:
- Fully remote
- Hybrid
Fully remote work has a vast scope. You can work with any company in the world regardless of your country. Many big companies around the world hire remote workers from different countries.
Hybrid work setting has a relatively narrow scope. It requires partially working outside the office. It means you must work from home on some days and onsite on others. Hence, it is not free from geographical barriers. You have to work somewhere you can easily travel to.
What We Mean By Employee Well-Being and Productivity
Many people understand physical well-being when they hear “employee well-being”. But in reality, it is not confined to physical wellness only. By employee well-being, we mean their good physical and mental health. We talk a lot about physical health, but mental health is still ignored. Even in such an advanced world, we neglect something as important as it is. However, considering an employee’s mental health is equally important. A healthy mind is crucial because it handles all the thinking and problem-solving. Hence, employee well-being includes taking care of their physical and mental health. If either is not good, it will affect an employee’s productivity.
Productivity refers to the maximum amount of quality work an employee can deliver. Productivity is measured by the time frame in which employees complete their work. Fast and good quality work are the two main aspects of productivity. Employee well-being and productivity have a direct relation.
Analyzing the Impact of Remote Work on Employee Well-being and Productivity
Benefits
Remote work has many proven benefits for employee well-being and productivity. Let’s have a look at the most widely reported of them.
Flexibility in Work Environment
Remote work offers flexibility in the work environment. Employees are not confined to the traditional office. They can easily work from any setting they see fit. Moreover, they have easier access to refreshments, medical aid, and other basic necessities. They can physically relax and take small walks if tired. They don’t have to sit in one place all day. Research has proven that these aspects have a good effect on an employee’s well-being. This in turn makes them more productive.
Enhanced Work-Life Balance
Stats show that most people can’t properly focus on their work due to personal stressors. When they cannot give time to their personal life, they start being mentally burdened. Remote work allows employees to maintain a work-life balance. Employees can take care of their personal responsibilities without interrupting their careers. In cases of emergency, they can easily attend to their families. This creates a sense of mental satisfaction. The mental satisfaction then leads to increased employee productivity.
Reduced Commute Time and Cost
The time and money spent on commuting to the office is every employee’s headache. A major portion of their salary is spent on travelling. This is a major source of stress for an employee. Moreover, going to the office every day takes a lot of extra time. This time could be used for work instead. Physical exhaustion is also caused by daily travelling.
Remote work provides a solution for these issues. Without spending extra time and money on travelling, employees can focus more on work. It saves them from mental and physical exhaustion. It ultimately enhances productivity.
Freedom to Choose Working Hours
Every person has a specific time of the day when he/she is the most productive. Some people are even more efficient at night. It varies from person to person. Remote work allows employees to choose the working hours according to their preferences. They get to work when they feel like performing their best. This freedom directly enhances employee well-being and productivity.
Reduced Psychological Pressure
According to psychological principles, there is an observer effect on every human. This effect occurs when they are constantly being observed or watched. Some people tend to perform better under this effect. Others tend to feel nervous and mess things up. Research suggests that most people get nervous under observation. This negatively impacts their performance and behaviour. They might not be able to show their skills and true personality confidently.
Remote work provides freedom to employees from these issues. They are not shy or nervous and can easily be their true selves. Unlike traditional office settings, they can act and work just how they feel comfortable. This highly increases employee productivity. They can deliver work with full focus due to less distractions.
Challenges
Remote work has many benefits as we discussed above. But it also brings some challenges that can affect an employee’s well-being and productivity. The effect varies from person to person. Some employees might experience a declining effect. At the same time, some might actually not be affected at all. However, it is very important for employees to look out for these challenges. They should be tackled smartly.
Let’s discuss the challenges.
Isolation
Remote work can create feelings of isolation in the employee. Sitting and working alone all day can make them feel isolated and lonely. This may lead to mental distress, which can affect employee well-being and productivity. The impact can be opposite too. Some people might actually enjoy their own company more. However, a collaborative office environment is much healthier for employees.
Communication Barriers
Remote work can create communication barriers between an employee and employer. Due to the limited communication capacity, both parties might face hurdles. They might not be able to fully communicate their ideas and concerns to each other. This can cause stress to both and affect employee productivity.
Unnecessary Suspicions
Employees frequently face suspicions when they are working remotely. Most people still assume that employees don’t work hard this way. They are believed to be dishonest and unproductive. While it might be true in some cases, it is not generalizable. Employees who actually work hard feel distressed when they are constantly suspected. They always have to prove they are working. They typically do this by overworking or burning themselves out of excessive work stress. This can have a concerning effect on the employee’s well-being.
Distractions and Technology Issues
Remote work settings might bring unnecessary distractions and technology issues for employees. Constantly attending to family matters or other background distractions can be annoying. Moreover, electricity cut-outs, Internet problems, etc can interrupt workflow. These things are concerning for both employee well-being and productivity.
Ways to Enhance a Remote Employee’s Well-Being and Productivity
- Providing clear and active communication channels
- Providing regular training to remote employees
- Encouraging transparency and open communication
- Providing all necessary tools and facilities
- Creating a supportive remote work culture
Key Takeaways
- Remote work has a positive overall impact on employee well-being and productivity.
- It has some challenges, just like anything else in the world. However, tackling these efficiently can lead to increased productivity.
- According to research, remote work enhances employee productivity by 51.3%.
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FAQs
How does remote work affect employee productivity?
According to research, remote work can:
- Enhance employee productivity by 51.3%
- Maintain it in 35.9% of cases
- Reduce productivity by 12.8%
How does remote working affect well-being?
Remote work can have both positive and negative impacts on employee well-being. It provides the freedom to choose the time and place to work. It also saves time and cost spent on commuting. These things enhance overall well-being. On the other hand, it can cause a decline in employee well-being too. Added stressors such as isolation, suspicions of dishonesty, and background distractions are the reasons.
What is the positive impact of remote working on employees?
Remote work provides the freedom to choose working hours and environment to the employees. It also saves time and money spent on travelling. These things positively impact the employees.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of remote working for employees?
The advantages of remote work for employees are:
- Flexibility in Work Environment
- Enhanced work-life balance
- Reduced commute time and cost
- Freedom to choose working hours
- Reduced mental pressure
The disadvantages are:
- Isolation
- Unnecessary suspicions
- Technology issues and distractions
- Communication barriers
- Burnout due to overworking
How to measure employee productivity while working remotely?
Remote employees’ productivity can be measured through the following ways:
- Using time-tracking softwares
- Conducting regular check-ins and meetings
- Focusing on the outcome quality rather than working hours
- Using task management tools
- Analyzing the responsiveness of employees
How does remote working affect performance management?
Remote work affects performance management in the following ways:
- Remote employees can miss important emails or chats due to background distractions
- Communication gaps can also affect performance management
- Technology issues can cause delays in work
How do you manage your productivity when working in a remote setting?
It can be done by following these tips:
- Create a dedicated workspace for yourself
- Set clear expectations and be honest in communication
- Practice self-discipline
- Make and follow a routine
- Focus on difficult tasks first
- Create a boundary between your personal and professional life
