Majority of fully remote employees suffer productivity paranoia

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Joanne Swann
Remote worker
Remote worker

Nearly two-thirds of fully remote UK employees are suffering from productivity anxiety. Of those workers, an alarming one in four battles feelings of inadequacy or pressure to perform constantly or frequently.

These are the latestes findings from Workhuman®, the company revolutionising the way employees celebrate, connect with and appreciate each other in the workplace, Human Workplace Index.

Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience, Workhuman, commented:

As work practices continue to evolve from the traditional 9-to-5 office model, it’s understandable that employees may feel increasingly anxious about their performance and how it’s being perceived.

Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience, Workhuman

The research also found that fully in-office workers report the least amount of productivity anxiety, as well as higher levels of motivation than remote workers. Fully remote workers are also 69% more likely to feel bored while working compared to fully in-office workers. Also of note, hybrid workers report 31% less burnout than fully in-office ones.

The survey of 1,000 full-time employees in the UK was commissioned by Workhuman and conducted by Pollfish to gain insights into workplace sentiment, productivity and wellbeing.

The vast majority of UK respondents (86%) identify work-life balance as the most important element of workplace wellbeing, and nearly 60% reported that recognition for their work would be the most effective way to alleviate feelings of productivity anxiety.

Niamh continues:

Our research shows that people working remotely are feeling more anxious about their productivity than their in-office counterparts. Employees are asking for clearer communication and acknowledgement of their contributions. Having a culture that supports recognition can help with that, as it not only reduces negative experiences but also enhances positive ones, particularly for remote employees who may feel more pressure to demonstrate they are productive while working from home.

So what can employers do to support their remote employees?

  1. Virtual water cooler moments! Encourage spontaneous interactions among team members through virtual coffee breaks, casual chat channels, or online team-building activities. These informal connections can help remote employees feel more engaged and less isolated.
  2. Provide professional development opportunities: Offer access to online courses, webinars, and virtual conferences. Supporting continuous learning not only helps employees grow their skills but also demonstrates a commitment to their long-term career development, which can alleviate feelings of inadequacy.
  3. Regular mental health check-ins: Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins focused on employees’ well-being, not just their work progress. Providing access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or stress management workshops, can also support their overall wellness.
Joanne Swann, Content Manager, WorkWellPro
Editor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional | Website |  + posts

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.

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