(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) News report by Nusaibah Ben-Shaiba
LONDON, Dec 11 (KUNA) -- The British government plans to encourage remote work for employees as part of efforts to increase productivity across the United Kingdom after the government criticized mandatory attendance and stated that it damages productivity.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that remote work, along with respecting employees' right to disconnect outside of working hours, could enhance productivity while fostering a better work-life balance, and highlighted the benefits of flexible work practices introduced during the pandemic.
Official data shows that the number of employees working remotely increased even before the pandemic, as employers recognized its advantages for both businesses and employees' work-life balance, however, the studies also addressed the disadvantages of remote work.
The government's remote work policy would vary based on the needs of each workplace, as roles differ significantly between employees.
A study by the Flex Index, which tracks workplace flexibility globally, revealed that only 3 percent of companies have returned to full-time office work, 79 percent have adopted fully flexible work policies, and 18 percent require in-office attendance on specific days.
The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported in June 2023 that 10 percent of employees work remotely full-time, while 29 percent do so part-time, the number of employees favoring remote work increased in the past year.
Faye Qasim, a cognitive behavioral therapist with the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, welcomed her workplace's decision to adopt a hybrid system, allowing staff to work from home three days a week.
In an interview with KUNA, Qasim explained that while remote work has its advantages and disadvantages, there was a consensus within her organization since the COVID-19 pandemic to balance two in-office days with three remote days, prioritizing the needs of both patients and staff.
She emphasized the benefits of remote work, particularly in a city like London where commuting is time-consuming, allowing employees to save energy for family, friends, and personal interests.
She added that she could not "imagine" returning to a full-time office setup and that the post-pandemic era has brought a "better" balance between work and social life.
Studies conducted in recent years have identified key advantages of remote work, including increased flexibility, and surveys indicated that 69 percent of job seekers inquire about remote work options, and nearly 2 million employees quit their jobs in 2023 due to the lack of flexibility, and four million employees transitioned to different roles within their organizations for the same reason.
Remote work has also been linked to higher productivity, as employees face fewer distractions compared to office environments, such as background noise or casual conversations, national statistics show that 38 percent of organizations reported improved productivity by combining remote and in-office work.
Other benefits include better work-life balance, as 47 percent of employees reported improved overall health due to reduced commuting stress and a lower risk of burnout.
Studies also suggest that remote work encourages healthier eating habits, which can positively impact blood pressure, and reduce absenteeism, as employees have greater flexibility when unwell or caring for family.
However, remote work is not without challenges, studies highlight issues such as reduced access to information, social isolation, and difficulty collaborating with colleagues, approximately 30.9 percent of remote workers reported feeling lonely, while 48 percent struggled with team coordination.
Overwork was another concern, as some employees blur the lines between personal and professional time, statistics show that 48 percent of remote workers respond to emails outside regular hours, and 37 percent complete administrative tasks after hours, leading to stress and decreased productivity.
While remote work has clear benefits, it may not suit every industry or job, each organization's priorities and operational requirements play a crucial role in determining the balance between in-office and remote work. (end)
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