Fully remote workers are happier and more productive than those who work full time in the office or hybrid, finds a new report from employment tech unicorn Employment Hero, The State of Wellbeing at Work.
Over 1000 Gen Z to Boomer aged UK employees took part in the survey which revealed that 67% of fully remote workers rate their work productivity as high, compared to only 54% of hybrid workers, supporting the new Labour government’s plans to overhaul the working day.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s focus over the next 12 months includes making flexible working a day one right, potentially removing the current statutory grounds for refusal and creating a ‘right to switch off’, allowing workers to disconnect outside of working hours.
The report indicated that remote workers have the best work-life balance in the UK: 59% of fully remote workers thought they had time to relax, compared to 46% of fully in-office/onsite workers. It also revealed that 57% of fully remote workers were more likely to feel that their work-life balance had improved in the last 3 months versus 44% of hybrid workers and 38% of fully in-office/onsite workers.
Employment Hero, a fully remote global business employing more than 1,000 people across four continents, believes the government should issue guidelines to SMEs on how to successfully run a remote-first business. Kevin Fitzgerald, UK MD of Employment Hero commented:
The data is clear: remote workers are more productive and enjoy a better work-life balance. But businesses need guidance from the government to successfully implement flexible working habits because it’s not an easy transition. The hybrid model has failed because businesses try to replicate an in-office working framework at home. Building a successful remote-first business requires a specific set of skills.
Kevin Fitzgerald, UK MD of Employment Hero
Employment Hero’s remote-first policy has led to a 300% increase in job applications since 2022.
Their survey highlights that 45% of fully remote workers are more comfortable talking to their boss about financial concerns, compared to 32% of fully in-office/onsite workers and 29% of hybrid workers, confirming remote employees can foster strong working relationships with colleagues and management. Gosia Bowling, National Mental Health Lead Nuffield Health, said:
Contrary to the traditional belief that fixed working hours equate to productivity, done well, flexible working often leads to higher efficiency. Employees can work during their most productive hours, resulting in better-quality outputs. The workplace has changed, and so have the wants and needs of the workforce. Employers need to recognise that focusing on employee health and wellbeing isn’t just a ‘nice thing to do’ – It’s essential for businesses to thrive sustainably.
Gosia Bowling, National Mental Health Lead Nuffield Health
Employment Hero is using innovative AI HR tech to modernise and digitalise the world of work for SMES and their employees. This new report aims to provide SMEs across the UK with the insights they need to foster a healthy workplace culture.
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.
