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The Increase in home workers
There has been an increase in home workers in the UK over recent years due to a combination of factors. One of the main reasons is the advancement of technology and internet connectivity, which has made it easier for people to work remotely. With tools such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and cloud-based software, employees can now work from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection.
Another reason for the increase in home working is the changing attitudes towards our work/life balance. Many people now value the flexibility to balance their work with other commitments such as family or personal pursuits. Additionally, companies are now recognising the benefits of allowing employees to work from home, such as an increase in productivity, reduced sick days and cost savings on office space, and with 56% of home workers reporting that they are happier at home than in the office, it makes sense to continue offering it as an option.
We can’t deny that the COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the trend of remote working, as many companies were forced to adopt remote work policies in order to comply with social distancing measures, resulting in around 86% of employees working from home. This shift enabled companies to see new ways of working, further helping to reduce expenditure on offices across the country.
Does home working really work?
Many people are still reluctant to believe that home working is a viable choice for companies to offer. However, as 65.5% of employees state that they can produce more work from home, it’s clear to see that there really is a place for it in terms of better productivity.
One of the key factors that contributes to it being a positive and effective experience is whether the employee has a dedicated space that they can use for work. Only 28% of homeworkers have a study or home office, with around 17% of home workers using their bedroom to complete their work.
It seems likely that the demand for home working will continue, but hybrid working looks more likely to take over from full-time working from home, giving employees time to catch up with their teams and allowing them time to develop strong working relationships.
How to organise your day as a home worker
If you are ready to organise your home working better than ever before, we have four tips to help:
Get dressed – getting dressed as if you were going to the office can help you mentally prepare for the workday and create a sense of professionalism and discipline. This can help you to stay focused and motivated throughout the day.
Organise your workspace - a clean and organised workspace can help you to stay focused and productive. It's important to have a dedicated work area that is free from distractions and set up with everything you need to complete your work, including appropriate storage and stationery. If you love the space you are working in, you will likely get a lot more done!
Use a task list - a task list can help you stay organised and on track throughout the day. It allows you to know which tasks to focus on, helping you to prioritise the most important jobs first. This can increase your productivity and ensure that you are meeting deadlines.
Establish your working hours - setting a schedule for your workday can help you to stay focused and productive. Knowing when your working hours are will allow you to plan your day and manage your time more effectively. It also helps to create a work/life balance, so you can separate work time from personal commitments.