New Research Debunks Common Myths About Remote Work And Productivity

Remote work's positive impact on productivity, trust, and employee satisfaction

Managers have found remote work easier and more enjoyable than the media would have us believe, with many embracing the advantages of flexible schedules and collaboration from a distance.

A new survey shows hybrid and remote managers report improved productivity and increased trust in their teams, contradicting the myth of unproductive remote workers.

Here’s what we learned from Myth vs. Reality: Remote and Hybrid Managers Report High Productivity and Trust:
 

• 66 percent of managers saw increased productivity, and 48.5 percent said productivity has ‘significantly improved.’ Only two percent saw a decrease in productivity. Managers said their own productivity has significantly improved (38 percent) and not decreased (96 percent)
• 98 percent say they trust their teams to be productive on non-office days. Only one respondent (out of 200) said they didn’t.
• Contrary to popular belief, 77 percent of managers find it easy, and 62 percent find it enjoyable or very enjoyable to manage remote teams.
• Managers report that employee satisfaction and morale (60 percent) is a major benefit of remote work, alongside a reduction in commute time and stress (54 percent), improved work-life balance (53 percent), increased productivity (35 percent), and an expanded talent pool (30 percent).
• Asked to return to the office full-time, 15 percent of employees would consider looking for a new job, and 59 percent would return if needed. Only 26 percent would happily return to the office. 

Productivity Has Significantly Improved in Hybrid and Remote Teams

According to survey findings, hybrid, and remote work have overwhelmingly positively affected managers' performance levels. 66% of randomly selected managers experienced improved performance levels, of which 48.5% said productivity has significantly improved. In contrast, only 2% of managers saw a decrease in productivity. Productivity in hybrid and remote working models is still debated. However, studies, including this FlexOS survey and Microsoft's, show that distributed work doesn't harm productivity. Measuring productivity is challenging, leading to "productivity paranoia" between companies and employees. In reality, productivity isn't a challenge and should be embraced. 

Trust in Teams Is Equally High

The survey shows high levels of trust in hybrid and remote work environments. 98% of managers are confident in their teams' ability to deliver results on non-office days, which goes against the conventional wisdom that remote work breeds doubts about productivity.

Managers trust their employees, with 60% saying they trust them completely and 37% mostly. Time-tracking and productivity-tracking software is used by only 26% and 36% of hybrid and remote managers, respectively. Most managers measure productivity by completed work and regular check-ins.

Ready for More Remote Work Myth-Busting? 

Most managers find remote work easy and enjoyable, with 77% embracing its flexibility and 62% finding it very enjoyable.

Remote Teams Are Happier and Have a Better Work-Life Balance

Many managers have reported various benefits of implementing hybrid or remote working models. According to their feedback, such models have improved employee satisfaction, better work-life balance, and reduced worker commuting stress. 

Additionally, remote working has enabled companies to access a more diverse talent pool, which has made them more attractive to job seekers. It seems that hybrid and remote working models have become increasingly popular among companies looking to boost productivity and enhance employee well-being.

Challenges Do Exist – and They’re Very Human

The above doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges for managers. There are.  Asked what their largest challenges are in hybrid and remote team management, leaders answered universally that distractions at home bug them, especially kids and other family members. 

A lack of face-to-face interactions results in delays and miscommunication. Managers wish there were more opportunities for personal interaction because understanding and managing emotions without face-to-face interaction was mentioned as a challenge. 

In third place of the most common challenges… “wait, you’re breaking up.” Yes, it’s technological or connectivity issues. Managers told us this can be frustrating since they cannot control people’s home internet. We hear you… 

Technology Is More Important Than Ever

Technology is crucial in effectively managing remote teams. Video conferencing is the top choice for 88% of hybrid and remote teams, followed by collaboration and document-sharing platforms like Microsoft Teams at 60%, instant messaging tools at 46%, time-tracking software like Time Doctor at 26%, and project management platforms like Monday.com at 25%.  The trend towards remote work has been on the rise for a while now, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only accelerated this shift. As a result, companies are discovering new ways to engage remote employees. From wellness programs to team-building activities, businesses invest in initiatives promoting a sense of community and fostering collaboration.

However, remote managers are still facing some challenges. They want access to better technology and more training opportunities to help them navigate the unique demands of managing a remote team. In fact, only a small percentage of managers feel they have all the necessary knowledge and tools to be effective in their roles. 
Despite these challenges, remote work is becoming an increasingly viable option for companies looking to expand their talent pool and stay competitive in a rapidly changing business landscape.

How About the Office Then?

Only 26% of employees would do so happily when asked to return to the office full-time. 15% would consider looking for a new job, and 59% would only return if necessary.  This survey shows that people don't want to be in the office constantly but still need a space to focus and collaborate with colleagues.

The Increased Importance of Managers

As organizations transition to hybrid and remote work, the role of managers becomes increasingly vital. They are tasked with solving the unique challenges of these new work arrangements. The recent survey focused on managers and their experiences with these changes. 

By understanding their perspectives, we can better support them in their leadership roles and create a more productive and collaborative work environment for everyone involved.

Based on the survey results, it is imperative that organizations reassess their strategies for hybrid and remote work. Acknowledging the positive effects of remote work on productivity, employee satisfaction, and trust-building is crucial to fully embrace its potential benefits.

About the survey: 
The survey was conducted through the Pollfish panel of 200 hybrid and remote managers in the USA across all age ranges above 24 years old, seniorities, and industries. The survey ran in June 2023. Respondents were invited using a double opt-in: they confirmed their interest, created a profile via a verification process, joined the respondent pool, and were invited to take the survey as they fit the targeting criteria.

Daan van Rossum is the CEO of FlexOS, the platform that unleashes the power of hybrid and remote teams. Prior to leading FlexOS, Daan was CEO at Dreamplex, the leader in Workplace Experience, before which he ran his well-being startup, Bright. This followed a 9-year engagement with Ogilvy, for which he worked as a Regional Strategy & Innovation Director across their Amsterdam, New York, Chicago, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City offices.