COVID completely changed the way we work in America. For many people, it meant adjusting to a new work week routine, accomplishing daily work tasks at home instead of at the office. But what effect has this had on workers’ overall productivity? Is it possible to be more productive at home or is that a myth?
In this article, we’ll look at some recent surprising statistics that might just change the way you view remote work. Plus, we’ll discuss how companies can utilize online time tracking tools to get a handle on the number of hours their employees are putting in at home.
Are we more productive working from home?
Generally, the answer to this question is yes. According to recent studies from Stanford, ConnectSolutions, Prodoscore, and Airtasker, overall productivity at work is trending up among those who work from home. Here are a few stats to back up this claim:
• On average, those who work from home spend 10 minutes less a day being unproductive, work one more day a week, and are 47% more productive.
• Working from home increases productivity due to more calls per minute (attributed to a quieter, more convenient working environment) and working more minutes per shift because of fewer breaks and sick days.
• One survey found 30% of individuals who work remotely do more work in less time and 24% do more work in the same period of time.
Benefits of remote work
So why are remote workers so much more productive? The benefits of remote work might have something to do with it. For example, working from home means you have the opportunity to create a space that feels comfortable and productive. No more working in a cold, stuffy office!
Additionally, you can maximize your working hours by reducing “cooler talk” and embracing a virtual, traffic-free commute to work. Not to mention, you can take more breaks and focus on completing more intense intervals of work time.
Many remote workers also say they are happier at work because they have more time to commit to hobbies, mental health, and exercise, since they can more easily work these things into their daily schedule. This may also contribute to the overall increase in productivity due to less burnout.
Online time tracking for employers
Regardless of what the research studies and surveys say, employers still need a way to track employees’ working hours while they work remotely. Online time tracking tools can provide transparency and ensure that employees maintain progress and productivity while they’re on the clock.
Online time tracking for employers also streamlines the payroll process and ensures employees are paid accurately.
