Research from Ezra Coaching has revealed that more than half of UK office workers have now returned to the workplace on either a full- or part-time basis, with many seeing some ‘surprising benefits’ as a result.
The research found that 30% of office workers have now returned full-time, up from just 17% in April. A further 24% have returned on a part-time basis; again up from 17% in April, with the number of staff working fully remotely falling by -21% in the last three months.
Ezra also asked workers what positive impact a return to the workplace has had on their lives and, perhaps surprisingly, the most prominent was ‘work-life balance’ (29%). A positive impact on productivity also ranked high (23%), with many also benefitting from a reduction in personal fatigue (13%) and an increase in career progression opportunities (13%).
ENCOURAGING WORKPLACE RETURN
Predictably, Covid-19 anxiety and career-related stress saw the least positive influence. Many big-name companies are now encouraging a return to the workplace. Others like Deloitte recently announced that those wishing to maintain an aspect of remote working may not be able to expect a full salary while doing so.
This type of stance may help more employees to return to the workplace; although Ezra’s research shows that 26% of office workers would be willing to take a reduced level of income in order to maintain a flexible working lifestyle. That said, the same number also stated they would seek alternative employment should their employer fail to offer an ongoing level of flexible working. In fact, more than half of employees from around the world would consider leaving their job post-Covid if they are not given some flexibility, according to another recent study carried out by EY, as reported.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
“It seems as though the shine is starting to fade on the working from home culture with more and more of us choosing to return to the office, perhaps with a little encouragement from our employers in some cases,” stated Founder of Ezra Caching, Nick Goldberg. “However, doing so seems to have improved productivity, fatigue and the work-life balance for many. This may sound strange, but it makes sense given that working from home has caused many to blur the lines between their personal and professional lives, working longer hours in the process, while actually achieving less.
“The process of going to a place of work allows us to define clear boundaries and allows us to switch on and off more effectively when it matters. As much as we need to perform professionally, the ability to rest and recuperate at the end of the day is also incredibly important and this is something we’ve lost since our homes have become our offices.”
Other recent research revealed that only 30% of companies plan to embrace the full return-to-office model post-pandemic. Click here to read more.
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