Why are homeworkers more productive? |
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| Management | |
| Written by Paul Williams | |
| Friday, 15 May 2009 | |
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"Many people say they get a lot more done when they work at home compared with the office but nobody really knows why this is." Today, National Working from Home Day, the Telework Association launches its first annual survey. There is extensive research to show that flexible workers are more productive than their office based counterparts. However the reason for the improved output of home workers is not clear. There has been little research into the reasons why people working flexibly are more productive. Is it just that they can work longer by avoiding wasted commuting time? Is it because they are less stressed; or is it because the working environment is better? This survey hopes to answer those questions. Its launch demonstrates the Association's commitment to a continuing research programme. It follows the recent appointment of Peter Thomson as Director of Research, who said: "Many people say they get a lot more done when they work at home compared with the office but nobody really knows why this is. It may be that the lack of interruptions and distractions allows people to concentrate more or it could be a more subtle psychological factor. If people are trusted to work at home by their employer do they work harder in gratitude? Or perhaps if there is a stigma associated with home working, people are making the point that they are not watching TV all but are really getting on with the work." "The major barrier to implementing teleworking and other forms of flexible working is the reluctance of some managers to consider the option. Many managers use a presenteeism model of work and feel they need to be able to see their employees to ensure they are working. The Telework Association promotes a management model that is based on a more trusting relationship between manager and employee." These latest initiatives reinforce the Association's reputation as Europe's foremost authority on teleworking and position it to offer much needed information and expertise in today's tough economic and business environment. Its research aims to provide factual information about working practices and to generate informed debate about the benefits of teleworking Other initiatives launched this week include a new website to provide much needed information to the increasing numbers of people considering teleworking. Also, on Virtual Meeting day this week, bookings opened for a webinar entitled Flexible Working - Good for Everyone? This will help employees put together a business case and their manager to evaluate it.
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