Remote workers don’t stick to their contracted hours and even (gasp) skip some days completely

A new survey commissioned by book summary app Headway suggests that remote workers exhibit complex behaviours when balancing their non-work lives and the demands of their jobs. The study, which polled 1,000 remote workers across the United States, claims that while a majority (56 percent) reported improved work-life balance since transitioning to remote work, this shift has not been without its drawbacks. Notably, only 57 percent of respondents adhere to their scheduled working hours, with 26 percent admitting to having skipped entire workdays unnoticed. Furthermore, 40 percent confessed to simulating activity to appear busy on employer tracking systems, highlighting concerns about accountability in remote settings.

Distractions at home also pose significant challenges. Half of the participants acknowledged running personal errands during work hours, and 54 percent admitted to spending more time on household chores than on their professional responsibilities. Additionally, 23 percent reported taking naps during the workday, and 13 percent engaged in freelance work concurrently.

The survey also touched upon the social implications of remote work. A significant 56 percent of remote workers reported going entire weeks without leaving their homes, and one in four did not speak to anyone for days, underscoring concerns about isolation and its potential impact on mental health.

These findings resonate with broader trends observed in the UK. A study by Morgan McKinley revealed that 93 percent of UK professionals prefer a hybrid or remote work model, with 51 percent willing to forego pay raises for desired flexibility. However, despite this preference, 60 percent of British companies are urging staff to increase their in-office presence, indicating a disconnect between employer and employee expectations.

Moreover, mental health has emerged as a paramount concern in the remote work paradigm. A survey by Towergate Health & Protection found that for nearly half of UK employers (49 percent), mental health is now their biggest wellbeing concern, attributing this to the isolation associated with remote working.