Scientists confirm what workers already know: working at home makes you really happier
- The CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella may think that remote work Weakens social ties and makes workers less innovative, but research is underway and one thing is clear: working at home really makes workers happier, healthier and even more productive. But there is a catch.
It has been over 5 years since the world has gone into locking, forcing everyone to work at home. While the dangers of the pandemic have since calmed down, some working at home have remained – although this has since evolved with many companies reminiscent of people in the office, others embracing flexibility and many workers taken in the middle of rope.
Now, a four-year study from the University of Australia-Meridion has confirmed what employees suspected for a long time: they are prosperous when they are allowed to work at home.
Although not without its challenges, the data strongly suggest that the work at a distance considerably improves the balance between professional and private life.
Not only do those who connect from their sofa to save hours (and money) by jumping the journey, but they are able to channel this time in things that really matter. Many use this recovered time to invest in their health, whether it is a gym session, a long walk or simply to take place with a creative hobby. Others put it to the family, shared meals in bedtime stories, while some welcome the chance to remain aware of household responsibilities instead of pile up in the weekend.
Another notable change was in eating habits. Not having to wear a soggy sandwich from the house to the office or get rid of an overly expensive meal agreement, the study revealed that workers at a distance are also more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables, as well as more homemade meals.
But perhaps the most striking of all, the workers from a distance earn 30 minutes of additional rest per night.
Previous research suggests that being in an office has a certain level of stress that keeps us awake. In fact, up to 1 the leaders out of 2 obtain Sunday scruts – an anxiety linked to the work that keeps them on Sunday evening – and the long hours, the pressure to always look and the increases are all cost.
Although remote workers are not completely immune to this, the latest study suggests that by reducing (or at least reducing) the daily journey and office policy, employees have experienced more energy and less stress.
The productivity dilemma responded
The CEOs unanimously seem to be the return to work horn in the name of one thing: productivity.
Elon Musk, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase Jamie Dimon and Andy Jassy of Amazon are perhaps the most vocal of the lack of innovation that accompanies work at home.
But in fact, the search for the University of South Australia revealed the opposite – that home work had no impact on performance. In fact, productivity was stable and, in many cases, even improved.
But here is the catch: the choice counts.
Just like the way working in an office can be an excellent pleasant experience for those who really want to be there, productivity, motivation and well-being have all improved when the work remotely was a personal choice, rather than expected.
