Remote workers ‘likely to work harder and be more committed’

Remote workers are likely to work harder and put in longer hours in return for the opportunity to work from home, according to a new study.

The study by Professor Alan Felstead and Golo Henseke from the University of Cardiff and UCL Institute of Education respectively reviews previous research on remote working. It finds that remote workers are more committed, enthusiastic and satisfied with their job than their conventionally located counterparts.

However, the study, which is published in the New Technology, Work and Employment journal says remote workers find it difficult to redraw the line between home and work.

The research raises questions about how the workplace has adapted to more remote working, whether it is being used differently, for example, as a base from which to visit clients or as a drop-in centre and about general work mobility rather than just homeworking.

It also questions whether different types of remote worker may have different experiences.

It concludes: “The evidence presented suggests that remote working is, on the whole, advantageous to employers and employees. It also suggests while we may not be witnessing a full-bodied revolution, the detachment of work from place is undeniably an important aspect of the changing nature of work in the 21st century. It is therefore a theme which justifiably merits close attention by [academics].”

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