According to a study conducted by Great Place to Work, office obligations negatively affect employee engagement and productivity. The study of 4,400 employees aged 18 and over reveals the many advantages of remote work. According to the findings of the study, remote workers feel more connected to their work and have a healthier work environment.

Remote working has a great impact on employee satisfaction

This survey, conducted by Great Place to Work in July 2023, shows that remote workers are more satisfied with their jobs and find a healthier psychological and emotional environment at work. The survey reports that 51 percent of respondents were women and 49 percent were men.

Half of the respondents were flat employees, 25 percent were junior managers, 20 percent were middle managers and 5 percent were senior managers. 88 percent work full-time, while 12 percent work part-time/freelance.

Remote working preferences and office policies of employees

Remote workers report higher levels of collaboration in their workplaces and avoid office politics and background games. While 65 percent of respondents work entirely in the office, 16 percent work entirely remotely and 20 percent sometimes work remotely. The research also reveals that remote workers face less unconscious bias and code-switching in the workplace.

This doesn’t mean that companies should adopt a fully remote work model. Large workplaces are finding ways to understand and support employees’ needs. For example, companies like Cisco aim to attract employees to the office through events such as hackathons, career coaching and team meetings.

The negative effects of forced work in the office

Office obligations can make it difficult for employees to find meaning in their work and can reduce employee engagement. Great Place to Work reports that employee engagement increases when employees have a say in where they work. When employees are able to decide where they work, they are three times more likely to stay with their company for a long time, and employees who do not face office rotation requirements are 14 times less likely to leave their jobs.

Previous research has also shown that office rotation requirements reduce employee satisfaction and do not increase company value. A study by researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan found that at companies such as Apple, Microsoft and SpaceX, return-to-work requirements increased the turnover rate of senior employees.

Advantages and disadvantages of remote work

Great Place to Work reports that office rotation requirements reduce productivity overall. They report that employees put more effort into their work when they or their teams decide where to work. While telecommuting does not guarantee a positive employee experience, employers should strengthen communication with remote workers and cater to their needs.

The research clearly shows that office obligations have a negative impact on employee engagement and productivity. So, what are your thoughts on remote work and the office? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us.