New research from TonerGiant has set out to uncover how, four years on from the COVID-19 pandemic, the way we work has transformed and what Brits’ feelings are about new hybrid working and remote working policies.
1,000 nationally representative British workers were surveyed to find out how they feel about the current working from home climate in the UK.
22% of Brits work from home for two days each week, making it the most common hybrid working routine.
81% of Brits work from home at least one day during the week, and it seems to be the more popular approach. 25% of those surveyed said they would like to take up fully remote working as opposed to just 7% who wanted to return to working in the office full-time.
The survey uncovered how Brits actually feel about hybrid working. They found that:
- 44% of Brits would consider leaving their job should they be asked to come into the office full time.
- 48% of Brits wouldn’t bother applying for a job if it required them to come into the office full time.
- 59% of Brits feel like they are more productive at home, whereas 17% feel more productive working in the office.
- 40% of Brits feel more anxious when attending in-person meetings rather than video calls.
- 41% of Brits feel that employees are less likely to get a promotion or pay rise if they don’t spend enough time in the office.
- 52% of Brits feel like their diet is better when working from home.
- 48% of Brits feel like they exercise more when working from home.
- 50% of Brits miss the social aspect of being in an office with their coworkers.
- 62% of Brits feel like the cost of commuting has made them not want to go into the office.
- Brits’ view on COVID-19 is largely split, with 39% still having concerns whilst 41% don’t consider it to be a threat in the workplace.
- 64% of Brits feel like their overall quality of life has improved since working from home.
The data suggests that, overall, women are more in favour of working from home than men, as 52% would avoid applying for a full-time office role, compared to 43% of men.
Millennials seem to be the most against full-time office roles, with 51% saying that they would leave their current role if forced back in full time, compared to just 31% of those aged 55 and over.
Commenting on the findings, Stuart Deavall from TonerGiant said:
Despite studies showing that employers struggle to trust their employees when they work from home, the majority of employees now expect a hybrid working model, so perhaps it’s time to adapt to this shift. Long are the days where you need to be in the office to use your equipment. Essential office supplies, like a laptop and printing facilities, can be used from practically anywhere with a plug socket and wifi connection. This convenience seems to be a driving force as to why Brits favour the working from home lifestyle.
Stuart Deavall from TonerGiant
TonerGiant has released the findings to find out how Brits feel about working from home. A data hub containing the full findings can be found here.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
