Remote work enhances productivity

Remote work enhances productivity

One of the more unexpected consequences of the global Covid-19 pandemic has been the extended shift towards working from home. For many years, remote work was viewed with suspicion – often dismissed with the claim that it would tempt employees to be less productive. But how much truth is there in that assumption?

A study conducted by Stanford economists John Roberts and Nicholas Bloom provides remarkably clear evidence:

• Overall performance increased by 13% over a period of nine months. The main reasons were longer focused working periods, fewer breaks, and a lower number of sick days.
• Productivity per minute rose significantly, largely due to the calmer and more controlled working environment at home.
• Employee turnover among remote workers fell by 50%.
• In surveys, employees working from home reported higher job satisfaction and considerably less exhaustion.

The study was presented in detail in the Harvard Business Review and can also be found on the Stanford University website.