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Remote workers work longer, not more efficiently

economist.com

31–40 of 109 posts

Re: Remote workers work longer, not more efficiently

#31

I’ve found remote work is hardest with time management, specifically when I have lulls in the day where I don’t feel particularly focused. At the office I would have gone to the cafe or for a walk outside the building (downtown), had a short break, and gotten back to work. When I try that from home it doesn’t work well. I’m fortunate to have a home office with a door I can close. But if I leave that room I’m immediat…

You could always just go for a bike ride, they're not soley for commutes.

Re: Remote workers work longer, not more efficiently

#32
The study found no rise in productivity, neither did it mention anything about fall. So likely these employees are taking care of stuff at home during work hours and making up for it by working a little longer. I don’t see any issue with mixing some personal tasks with office work as long as the productivity stays the same.

Re: Remote workers work longer, not more efficiently

#36
post #12

Does the original study attempt to account for the once-a-century pandemic occurring at the same time? Seems like one should be careful drawing conclusions about remote work from the last year's data.

This was probably the best environment for remote work. There was nothing else to do but work and eat for many. As people start going to sports games, vacation, concerts, fairs, dinning, bars, clubs, etc. the number of hours they’ll work will go down.

They may work fewer hours, but they won't be miserable and burned out from being stuck at home all week.

Re: Remote workers work longer, not more efficiently

#38
post #12

Does the original study attempt to account for the once-a-century pandemic occurring at the same time? Seems like one should be careful drawing conclusions about remote work from the last year's data.

This was probably the best environment for remote work. There was nothing else to do but work and eat for many. As people start going to sports games, vacation, concerts, fairs, dinning, bars, clubs, etc. the number of hours they’ll work will go down.

However, their kids will be at school or daycare, they will be able to run errands in half the time (service slowed way down during the pandemic due to safety protocols), and people at just happier with their social connections without a twinge of boding anxiety over every interaction.

Re: Remote workers work longer, not more efficiently

#39

Efficiency is for robots. I deliver value to my company on a continuous basis and if taking a nap in the afternoon means I work an hour or two in the evening then I don't see what worries The Economist should hold about the situation.

I don't see what worries The Economist should hold about the situation The readership of the Economist is worried about commercial real estate.

That is my takeaway also - the editorial staff at The Economist must have friends in commercial real estate.

Re: Remote workers work longer, not more efficiently

#40
Define efficiency and then I may agree. I not only work more efficiently from home, but work least inefficiently in an office setting. I don't have kids and my daily meditation helps me from being distracted. I personally think most information workers can work more efficiently from home.
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