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It's official — nearly all of us are much more productive when we work from home
techradar ^ | 29 August 2024 | Ellen Jennings-Trace

Posted on 08/29/2024 11:24:08 AM PDT by ShadowAce

Working from home remains an overwhelmingly popular option for people across the world, with new research finding the vast majority (83%) saying they felt more productive in hybrid/remote settings rather than in-office or on site.

A survey from Zoom focusing on knowledge workers seemingly confirmed many companies back the trend of post-Covid remote working to continue, with 50% of leaders saying they have introduced more flexible working styles over the last two years, and 82% plan to carry this on into the future.

And despite the distance, hybrid workers even report that they are feeling more connected to their teams and managers, with 82% saying they felt a better bond - compared to 72% of in-person workers.

Tech needs a top-up

Almost all IT leaders who responded confirm they use AI in their organizations (94%), and 84% of those say that this has positively impacted productivity.

However nearly two-thirds (64%) of workers noted generative AI in particular was helping them to do their jobs, meaning a significant chunk of the workforce is still not completely sold on the technology.

However, of those surveyed, most agreed that their organization’s technology and remote work tools need improvement, with 75% feeling their current set-up is inadequate.

Zoom's findings aren’t particularly surprising, as research has consistently shown that workers are happier and more productive when given the opportunity to work remotely.

Earlier this month a report on US workplace culture revealed that workers are 60% less likely to quit, 27% more likely to enjoy their job, and 67% more likely to put in more effort if they can work from home.

More research around workspaces revealed that many workplaces need to invest in their tools and tech, with almost two-thirds of office spaces are no longer optimized for remote working.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: windowspinglist; workfromhome
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To: Political Junkie Too
The company built a basketball court, two beach volleyball courts, an exercise track that ran the entire perimeter of the grounds, and we even had a lunchtime croquet club that played twice a week!

Your company sounds (sounded) like a communal environment. I work in such a place; my fellow employees are Jewish and share the same religious and cultural values. I could only work at that kind of place, especially given today's wokeness (and antisemitism).

During COVID we were forced to work at home for 5 months, and some of the older employees decided to retire rather than come back. I miss them.

The atmosphere and dynamics changed when I got back. However, the hiatus from the office instilled in me an insecurity. I needed to return to the office, not only because much of my work involved public contact and physical work (handling materials, etc.), but I needed to prove my usefulness -- and flexibility, the willingness to come to work when needed.

It was this flexibility (and the grace of G-d) that kept me from getting laid off this summer. My supervisor fought to keep me, and even moved me to a higher position.

Working from home might indicate to some an indifference to the company or a very easy, cushy job. While no one is irreplaceable, some might seem more unnecessary. Today is a bad time to be a prima donna.

101 posted on 08/29/2024 5:10:58 PM PDT by MoochPooch (I'm a compassionate cynic.)
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To: AZJeep
I, personally, cannot work from home. There are just too many disruptions.

and for others the reverse is true. The office is nothing but disruptions.


102 posted on 08/29/2024 5:14:53 PM PDT by T.B. Yoits
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To: T.B. Yoits
Incorrect.

The people I refer to and have known for a long while now never had an issue with coming to work because until Covid, there was no alternative.

From your statement, everyone has a problem with “coming to work”, and that is over generalized for whatever pointless reason.

Hey, sure, why not just have everyone lay around on their ass at home and have the government provide everything? Just bang the women, get drunk all day, and Ta Da! Instant happiness for all! Joy for all! Work is for suckers!

Nobody wants to go to work, but it is how society has evolved. It may evolve to where few ever again need to go to an "office", but who knows? What I do know is, people who have an issue coming into the office need to find another employer. If their employer decides they're valuable enough to allow working from home instead of letting them go, they may make accommodations. I don't have a problem going to work every day, and if I wanted, I could force my employer to allow me to work from home if I chose. It's not the path I desire, and I enjoy working with my fellow employees at the office versus staying at home to work. And, interestingly enough, after having this conversation at the office, I discovered my opinion is not in the minority, and I'm in Southern California!

103 posted on 08/29/2024 5:23:27 PM PDT by Pox (Eff You China. Buy American!)
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To: al baby

Hi, Al.

Always nice to hear from you...


104 posted on 08/29/2024 5:25:33 PM PDT by Jamestown1630 ("A Republic, if you can keep it.")
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To: ShadowAce

I would agree with that if only the government can build me a SCIF at my house and give me a secure network and comms. Not happening, so I’ll keep driving to base every day…


105 posted on 08/29/2024 5:32:25 PM PDT by USAF1985 (Joe McCarthy is a hero...he was absolutely, 100% correct! (Let’s go Brandon!))
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To: Pox
...never had an issue with coming to work because until Covid, there was no alternative

Meaning they had an issue but no alternative.

106 posted on 08/29/2024 5:34:13 PM PDT by T.B. Yoits
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To: T.B. Yoits

Really? You actually can read their personal thoughts and proclaim you know exactly what they felt, whenever they felt it?

Do you comprehend my point?


107 posted on 08/29/2024 5:38:03 PM PDT by Pox (Eff You China. Buy American!)
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To: Pox
Do you comprehend my point?

Yes, very clearly.

You stated they didn't have an issue with commuting.
You stated they didn't have any alternative except to commute.
You stated they changed and now had a problem with commuting.

No, they didn't change. They now have an alternative. They always had an issue.


You posit that "If they had an issue, they'd complain. They didn't complain so therefore they didn't have an issue."

This fallacy of Denying the Antecedent (If P, then Q. Not P. Therefore, not Q) falsely states that having an issue requires complaining. At the same time you cite a lack of alternatives. Such a lack of alternatives would certainly preclude complaining.

The marketplace is littered with companies that went out of business and products that were discarded once people found an alternative. Very often, some bewildered corporate executive stands there saying, "Marketing insisted customers loved the product. We never heard any negative comments about them."


People never complained about traveling by foot until they traveled by horses.
People never complained about traveling by horse until they traveled by car.
...printed text...
...washing clothes by hand...
...using an icebox...
...wearing glasses...
...reading by gas lamp
...using a computer...

etc. etc. etc

108 posted on 08/29/2024 6:28:17 PM PDT by T.B. Yoits
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To: T.B. Yoits

You are projecting from my POV, and your facts are your own, not what I’ve observed.

I’ve actually discussed these things with these same exact people that you claim think and believe the opposite of what they’ve expressed to me personally, face to face.

Thus, your entire spiel is rendered pointless and simply your opinion, achieved by yourself in your own personal reality.


109 posted on 08/29/2024 6:36:47 PM PDT by Pox (Eff You China. Buy American!)
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To: ShadowAce

A survey from Zoom focusing on knowledge workers


survey question of workers:

Are you more productive working at home?

Of course I am!!!

Can you prove it?

well.......................................


110 posted on 08/29/2024 6:38:37 PM PDT by PeterPrinciple (Thinking Caps are no longer being issued but there must be a warehouse full of them somewhere.)
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To: ShadowAce

My two coworkers and I live on the East Coast and we have to support Europe and Australia customers in the SAP Environment so we need to be available as much as possible which is why we all have long work days.


111 posted on 08/29/2024 6:39:26 PM PDT by CapnJack ( )
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To: Pox

112 posted on 08/29/2024 6:43:29 PM PDT by T.B. Yoits
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To: USAF1985
...if only the government can build me a SCIF at my house and give me a secure network and comms

The government installed a server in Hillary's house - they can install one in yours.

113 posted on 08/29/2024 6:46:46 PM PDT by T.B. Yoits
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To: T.B. Yoits

I miss seeing those regularly. I never seem to get around to finding the time to look at Dilbert or any such strips these days.


114 posted on 08/29/2024 6:47:08 PM PDT by Pox (Eff You China. Buy American!)
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To: PeterPrinciple

It’s up to the boss to prove it.

Mine never had a problem.


115 posted on 08/29/2024 7:10:15 PM PDT by Jamestown1630 ("A Republic, if you can keep it.")
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To: Pox

I’m not sure WFH will turn out for the better in the long run. This seemingly ideal situation has apparently crashed head-on into human nature, which with some people, practically mandates getting as little done as possible without getting fired.

Recently, Wells-Fargo fired a bunch of WFH employees, because they had apparently installed software on their work computers that mimicked mouse movements and keystrokes, so they could loaf off, whatever. Fortunately, Wells-Fargo caught on to the scam and rightfully canned their @$$es. Then there are the stories of WFH employees who sell their services to companies like Red China, effectively endangering both their employers and the USA.


116 posted on 08/29/2024 7:11:59 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks (FBI out of Florida!)
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To: Jamestown1630
I was told to work from home back in, I believe, early March of 2020. Was already almost over contracting Covid in Feb 2020.

That lasted less than 2 hours as I'm primarily a field engineer, but have other critical “chores” in the lab and more.

I was one of the few that couldn't change their routine for several reasons, up to and including “national” infrastructure “servicing”. Had to keep everything running, and fulfill many sudden demands directly due to work from home infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.

It was weird visiting customers with basically empty roads here in Southern California. I also got the honor of not sequestering when people were getting sick around the area, wondering if everyone I had to meet with would give me the virus, but didn't catch it again that year, and I likely owe that to natural immunity after getting Covid at the outset.

Never got vaxed, may have caught a weaker variant once or twice since then, but nothing significant.

Got exposed to it at an illicit impromptu Christmas party later that year, but aside from getting chewed out by the boss, no big deal.

Strange years.

117 posted on 08/29/2024 7:14:45 PM PDT by Pox (Eff You China. Buy American!)
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To: Tolerance Sucks Rocks

There are dishonest people all over the world (and many of them govern you.)

Just be glad that enough HONEST ones still keep the world going - whether they work from home or not.


118 posted on 08/29/2024 7:17:21 PM PDT by Jamestown1630 ("A Republic, if you can keep it.")
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To: ShadowAce

Only control freak mgrs, chambers of commerce and local gubmints want people back in the office.


119 posted on 08/29/2024 7:18:14 PM PDT by ealgeone
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To: ClearCase_guy
The push to get people back into the office is about corporate real estate, not about productivity.

*****

THIS!!

120 posted on 08/29/2024 7:22:10 PM PDT by ealgeone
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