Workers share more similarities than differences when it comes to remote working, the Robert Half staffing and consulting firm has found.
"Understanding work habits and preferences, and focusing on results, is key to maximizing productivity,” says Paul McDonald, senior executive director. Half says team members who communicate schedules and are aligned on goals prove to be more effective.
Half says its survey of more than 2,400 professionals uncovered five productivity trends.
Productivity peaks early in the week. Employees get the most done on Monday and Tuesday, whether at home or in the office. These results are consistent with a similar survey conducted in 2019, before the rise of remote and hybrid work in the pandemic.
Concerns about flexible work are waning. Two-thirds of employees (66%) feel their boss cares more about their contributions to the company than when and where they work. Separate research shows 27% of managers don't mind if their direct reports put in fewer than 40 hours a week – as long as the job gets done.
Professionals have defined power hours. Most workers hit their stride in the late morning (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and early afternoon (1 to 4 p.m.), regardless of where they sit. Very few tackle their to-dos during lunch or evening hours.
Meetings are getting in the way. When asked to what most impedes their productivity, the top responses were unnecessary calls and meetings (35%), and conversations with colleagues (25%).
Home is where it happens. While one in five (21%) said they're equally productive wherever they work, 35% reported accomplishing more at home. Those commuting to the office perform best in a private space (43%) versus a collaborative one (16%).