Research has now proven what we knew all along. In comparison to office-going workers, remote workers more productive. The study conducted by a mental health website revealed that fully remote workers are 20% more happier than those who worked in an office full time.
The pandemic introduced us to the benefits of remote work. It also showed us that it is possible to work from anywhere and still be as productive as working from the office, if not more.
Mental health research website Tracking Happiness surveyed 12,455 workers and revealed happiness and productivity at work statistics. Their respondents shared that they spent close to 45% of their time working remotely. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest score, the average happiness score was 6.44. Not only are remote workers more productive, they are also happier. The study discovered that the average worker’s happiness level increases by 3% for every additional remote work day.
On average, the younger generation is more likely to opt for remote work. The happiness level of millennials increased the most with flexible work options.
The easiest way to happiness – let employees work remotely.
Are remote workers happier?
According to an Owl Labs study, full-time remote workers admitted that they are happy with their work conditions. Twenty two per cent of remote workers are happier than people who never get to work remotely. One of the top reasons for their happiness is the lack of commute. Over the course of a month, remote workers save nearly a full day worth of work time by avoiding commute. This gives them more time to pursue their hobbies and interests.
Remote work also enhances one’s mental and physical health. Flexjobs found that 97% of people who had flexibility at workplaces stated that it had a positive impact on their quality of life. According to a study by CartridgePeople.com, remote workers take less sick days than traditional office employees. Remote workers are more productive, healthier and happier. Sixty five per cent of employees reported that they feel more productive when they are not working from the office. Remote work also means less distractions and workers are able to access the “flow state” and get work done efficiently. They also saw a marked increase in physical and mental health. Remote workers admitted that they spent two hours and 44 minutes on physical exercise each week, a 25 minute increase over regular office-goers.
Why happier workers are more productive?
In 2021, the University of Warwick conducted a study that showed happier employees are more productive. In fact, they found that happiness made employees more productive by nearly 12%. The research was led by Professor Andrew Oswald, Dr. Eugenio Proto, and Dr. Daniel Sgroi from the Department of Economics.
The research included over 700 participants and four different experiments. Dr. Proto revealed that happier workers are more productive. “The same pattern appears in four different experiments. This research will provide some guidance for management in all kinds of organizations, they should strive to make their workplaces emotionally healthy for their workforce.” The team also found that lower levels of happiness were associated with lower levels of productivity.
Dr. Sgroi adds, “The driving force seems to be that happier workers use the time they have more effectively, increasing the pace at which they can work without sacrificing quality.” Happier employees are more productive as they are motivated to do well without being stressed.
Another study by Stanford, of 16,000 workers, confirmed that remote workers more productive than office workers as they have better work environments.
It has been found that remote workers are in general happier and more productive as they are in control of their work hours. Instead of the traditional 9 to 5, remote work gives them the freedom to work when they are the most productive. They also appreciate the fact that the company trusts them to do the job well.