Now that a significant number of the UK workforce are working from home as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the remote policies and strategies set out by businesses across the UK and beyond will be put to the test more than ever.
For so many companies, this will be the first time where a majority of the workforce will be required to carry out their roles and responsibilities outside of the office.
While this time will serve for some to highlight the adequate support and strategies in place to facilitate remote working, some businesses will inherently suffer in terms of productivity and performance due to a lack of preparation.
While no-one could have predicted the widespread impact of this pandemic on the average workplace, it rings true that the businesses who have prepared for a remote working situation will fare much better than businesses who have not.
With this in mind, here are four statistics on remote working that you need to be aware of:
1. 68% of businesses in the UK reported having a ‘flexible workspace policy'
While this statistic can be varied in the sense that some businesses will have more flexible workspace policies than others, the fact that the UK lies above the global average highlights how flexible working is not lost on the UK professional world.
With so many businesses reporting that they are flexible in their policies, the implementation of remote working across the board should be something that can be managed and maintained for an extended period.
2. 82% of remote workers report lower stress levels
The lack of a busy morning commute, working in comfortable surroundings and having less distractions are all reasons why a typical remote worker is likely to be less stressed than if they were to work in an office every day.
We have shared our tips and advice in the last few weeks about how to adjust to the new normal of remote working, from wellbeing tips to confronting the stress of uncertain change and how managers can inspire their workforce during this time.
3. 56% of employees believe that managers need to adapt their skills to manage a remote workforce
The decision to advise businesses to set up remote networks and continue their operations from home was one that will have definitely shocked the system for many businesses, and in turn, many managers.
With so many employees stating that their managers need to adapt their skills, this pandemic can serve as an opportunity to learn and implement skills in order to manage the workforce more effectively both now and in the future.
4. Companies that allow remote working have a 25% lower employee turnover those that do not
A study conducted by Owl Labs highlights a significant gap in business turnover between those who offer remote working and those who do not.
Employee wellbeing is more important to business continuity right now than ever before, and businesses should take note of this.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR REMOTE WORKERS, CONTACT MDA TRAINING TODAY.
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