Forced work in the office harms the commitment and productivity of people

According to a study by Great Place to Work, office obligations negatively impact employee engagement and productivity. This research, covering 4,400 employees aged 18 and over, reveals the many advantages of remote working. According to the findings of the research, remote workers feel more committed to their jobs and state that they have a healthier working environment.

Remote working has a huge impact on employee satisfaction

This July 2023 survey by Great Place to Work shows that remote workers are more satisfied with their jobs and find a healthier psychological and emotional environment in their workplaces. The survey states that 51 percent of participants are women and 49 percent are men.

Half of the participants are straight employees, 25 percent are low-level managers, 20 percent are middle-level managers, and 5 percent are senior managers. 88 percent work full time and 12 percent work part time/freelancing.

Employees’ remote working preferences and office policies

Remote workers report higher levels of collaboration at work and avoid office politics and background games. While 65 percent of survey respondents work entirely in the office, 16 percent work entirely remotely and 20 percent work remotely sometimes. The research also reveals that remote workers encounter less unconscious bias and code-switching at work.

This does not mean that companies should adopt a completely remote working model. Large workplaces are finding ways to understand employees’ needs and support them. For example, companies like Cisco aim to attract employees to the office with events such as hackathons, career coaching and team meetings.

Negative effects of forced work in the office

Office obligations can make it difficult for employees to find meaning in their work and reduce employee engagement. Great Place to Work’s report states that employee engagement increases when employees are given a say in where they work. It turns out that when employees can decide where they work, they are three times more likely to stay with their company long-term, and employees who don’t face office return obligations are 14 times less likely to quit their jobs.

Previous research also shows that office return mandates reduce employee satisfaction and do not increase company value. A study by researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan states that return-to-office mandates at companies such as Apple, Microsoft and SpaceX are increasing the turnover rate of senior employees.

Advantages and disadvantages of remote working

Great Place to Work notes that office rotation mandates reduce productivity overall. Employees report putting more effort into their work when they or their teams decide where they work. Although remote working does not guarantee a positive employee experience, it is emphasized that employers should strengthen communication with remote workers and meet their needs.

Research clearly shows that office obligations negatively impact employee engagement and productivity. So, what are your thoughts about remote working and the office? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us.