Yes, people are more productive when they work from home. 57.2% of workers say they work from home.
It is no longer the opinion of the employees. A 16,000, 9-month study by Stanford found that working from home resulted in a 13% increase in productivity. Employees mostly say this is due to more time spent on shift work (less rest, sick days, etc.) and a quieter, more comfortable work environment.
Additionally, 78% of rural workers say they feel “very busy” at work, compared to only 72% of workers. Given that vulnerable workers are 22% more productive than laid-off workers, working from home appears to boost productivity in some workers.
As people get older, their tendency to feel like working at home increases. While only 46.6% of workers aged 18-24 find that they work remotely well, 77.3% of workers aged 55-64 think remote work makes them more productive.
Working From Home FAQ
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How many employees work remotely?
26.7% of US workers will now work remotely as of 2021. In addition, 16% of companies are remote. These numbers are likely to increase, as 59% of workers say they would choose an employer that allows remote work over one that does not.
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Are rural workers happier?
Yes, remote workers are happier, according to several metrics. 75% of rural workers believe that their work life has improved, while 62% of workers feel that remote work affects their work performance.
Of course, remote work also has its challenges. In particular, 50% of remote workers say they feel lonely at least once a week.
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Do companies save money with remote workers?
Yes, companies save money with remote workers. Between reduced hours, less travel/sick leave, lower turnover rates, and increased productivity, employers save an average of $11,000 a year per employee.
References
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Stanford. “Does it Work at Home?” Accessed March 7, 2022.
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Zippia. “Remote Work Survey.” Accessed March 7, 2022.
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Zippia. “Engagement Statistics.” Accessed March 7, 2022.