The research reveals that many remote employees are still penalized by inadequate technologies and working methods and that there is a clear division between those in favor of full time in the office and those who would prefer to quit if returning to the company became mandatory
As companies across Europe continue to adapt their approach to hybrid working, new data reveals a clear productivity gap when working from home and the need to spend more time in the office. D-Link, a world leader in network and connectivity technologies, has found, in new research that captures a broad typology of attitudes towards working methods in 2023, that employees across Europe are clearly divided between wanting to return to the office full-time and continuing to work remotely.
As many companies in Europe increase time spent in the office, four in ten workers (38%) said they would welcome a return to full-time. 37%, however, are against it and 24% revealed that they would consider changing jobs if their company required a return to full-time office work.
Discordances on the productivity of hybrid working
According to research by D-Link, which surveyed over 300 technology consultancies and resellers across Europe on the habits of business professionals, productivity is still the subject of debate and conflicting opinions. 40% of respondents revealed that working from home more than two days a week has no impact on their productivity, while a quarter (25%) say that productivity actually decreases. 35% of those interviewed believe that working from home improves productivity.
As regards the other critical issues caused by hybrid working, 38% declared that it had a strong impact on the possibilities of collaboration with colleagues and 50% of employees believe that it has led to a more fragmented company culture.
“Workers evidently still have different opinions when it comes to remote working, in the office or in hybrid mode, based on personal preferences and circumstances, and there is no single solution that satisfies everyone” – commented Alessandro Riganti, D-Link Country Manager for Italy – "The solution is to ensure that companies provide their teams with the tools to ensure productivity and manage demands, regardless of the type of job. This means investing in security, the right work equipment and effective connectivity for employees, both at home and in the office. Investing in the latest technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6E, 5G and fiber optics to the home, can certainly help to provide employers and employees with the flexibility and connectivity needed to enable efficient home working."
Insufficient broadband and outdated technology are still a problem
52% of employees said broadband shortages still impact the productivity of people working from home, and 45% said poor Wi-Fi at home was a top priority. Additionally, 45% highlighted laptops or outdated technology equipment as a barrier to productivity, while 17% said they receive insufficient technology support from their employer.
Despite this, many simple technological interventions have not yet been carried out: only a quarter (25%) have updated their router since the beginning of 2020 and only 17% have changed broadband provider to solve connectivity problems.
Interruptions from family members continue to impact work
Managing personal and professional duties at home has presented an additional challenge for many. 60% said the presence of children at home affected their productivity, while 47% blamed their partner or other family members and 29% blamed roommates.
In an attempt to reduce distractions, 27% started working in a different area and 33% were more strict with family members and roommates, inviting them not to disturb.
The discomfort of the workstation is also a problem
51% of those interviewed said that poor organization of their work space, with an uncomfortable desk and chairs or the possibility of sitting at the dining room table, leads to a decrease in productivity. However, only 16% purchased a new desk and 27% a new chair to combat the discomfort.
However, the opportunities offered by hybrid working should not be ignored either. A significant 77% admitted it led to a better work-life balance, 38% said it improved digital transformation initiatives for their company and 43% said it generated greater investment in cybersecurity. In addition to these benefits, 16% said it has fostered greater team diversity and 34% said it has improved digital training and people specialization initiatives.
“From a practical point of view, working from home offers a number of advantages,” he adds Watering. "Numerous studies have shown that a better work-life balance equates to a happier and more productive workforce. Additionally, commuting time and costs are significantly reduced, and as a result, companies' carbon emissions are lowered. However, with home energy costs soaring, employees may be considering the benefits of returning to the office."
