What Are Remote Workers Really Doing?
Flexible Work Patterns: The inflexible 9-to-5 daily schedule gives way to remote work. Not continuous work, perhaps, but at any time of the day, and extending beyond working hours into early morning or late evening. This flexibility in timing usually helps strike a better balance between life and work but may give the impression of less regular "on-the-clock" time.
Running personal errands: Many times, remote workers fill the bits of free time to catch up with personal activities like household chores, exercising, or simply running errands. Without the rigid structure of the office environment, employees may take short breaks when it would be difficult in a traditional setting.
More Breaks and Downtime: While some employees tend to perform better when working remotely, others may tend to take more breaks. Without the presence of a supervisor to watch over them and the presence of coworkers, it can be very tempting for workers to take longer lunch breaks or generally more breaks.
Distraction Management: Homes have their own set of distractions. Childcare, household chores, or even the lure of TV or social media can take portions of the workday, sometimes without employees realizing it. These may steal the work time away but seem productive to them.
Focus on Output Over Hours: Perhaps the greatest pivot in remote work is in approach and emphasis on output instead of hours worked. Some workers might not work straight through but can still make deliveries. Insofar as deadlines are met and productivity is maintained, how the worker manages his or her time becomes less relevant.
Smaller Workdays: Some researchers feel that home workers do not necessarily work the full 8-hour day; instead, they claim the same amount done in fewer hours. Not having to commute and being free to manage their time, they may be more efficient and face fewer distractions.
Are Remote Workers More or Less Productive?
Surveys show employees tend to report that they are more productive when working from home, contrary to the belief that they slack off, possibly for fewer office-related distractions, less wasted time commuting, and simply being able to fashion an environment more personalized and efficient at being specific to an employee. Others think this fades because of the blurring of boundaries between personal and professional life, leading to burnout as workers may overcompensate in such a way by being "always available."
While some remote workers may not be putting in a traditional, linear 9-to-5 schedule, many seem to find ways to stay productive by balancing work with personal time. The emphasis has shifted to work outcomes rather than hours spent at the desk.
