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Remote working, a necessity during the pandemic, it is now becoming the new normal! What started as a temporary solution has firmly taken its place in the corporate world, reshaping how we approach work today.
Whether you’re working from the comfort of your home, a cosy café or even halfway across the world, the flexibility of remote work is opening so many doors. It’s not just about avoiding the packed tube journey every morning, it’s about designing a workday that fits around life, not having a life that fits around work.
Over the past few weeks, some top companies have ordered their teams to come back to the office full time…and it isn’t sitting well with them!
So, why exactly do people love remote working? What are the key factors that have us thinking “There’s no going back now”? To get to the bottom of it, we conducted a study asking employees across the UK to share their experiences.
Objective
Our goal was to dive into what really makes remote workers tick and uncover the key factors that boost job satisfaction and productivity. We wanted to understand how remote working has changed the way people approach their jobs.
From the newfound flexibility to the tech tools that keep the team connected, why do remote workers love it and is there any way they could go back?
Audience and Methodology
BoltChatAI conducted in-depth one-to-one interviews with employees across the UK who work remotely.
We spoke to workers in a variety of industries to gain insights into how they navigate remote working. By examining their experiences, we wanted to pinpoint the factors that have the greatest impact on both their job satisfaction and productivity.
Freedom from the Commute
If there’s one thing that everyone agrees on, it’s the joy of saying goodbye to the daily commute. With travel time cut down to a matter of seconds, remote workers are finding their mornings much less stressful, and their mental health is thanking them for it!
But it’s not just about avoiding the commute. The flexibility to manage your own schedule, whether that means working from a coffee shop, in the garden or even while traveling abroad has given employees a sense of control over their workday.
This flexibility and ‘people first’ approach is seen as one of the greatest perks of remote work, especially for those juggling childcare or other personal commitments.
Creating the Ideal Workspace
Remote workers are getting creative with their environments. From quiet home offices to cosy coffee shops, having control over where and how they work has been a game-changer.
Many respondents noted that a well-lit, quiet space with comfortable furniture boosts their productivity, with one person mentioning that natural light and a comfy chair were non-negotiables. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between comfort and focus.
Of course, there are still challenges. Noisy neighbours, interruptions from family members and the occasional tech hiccup can disrupt the flow, but for most, the benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences…tech can fail in the office as well!
Tools of the Trade: Tech That Makes it Possible
The backbone of successful remote work is technology. Tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Workspace have become the lifeline for keeping teams connected, even if we are sick of saying “I think you’re on mute.”
And while tech tools have made remote work easier, it’s not without its hiccups—sometimes, it’s not about what software you’re using, but whether your Wi-Fi is up to the task.
But in a world of endless Teams calls and Zoom meetings, these minor setbacks are simply part of the remote working rhythm.
Remote Work: The Balancing Act
One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Without the clear boundaries that an office provides, some employees find it difficult to “switch off” at the end of the day.
Setting clear boundaries like unplugging from work devices after hours or taking regular breaks to step outside has become key for staying mentally and physically healthy.
For others, the flexibility to manage personal life alongside work has been a huge advantage. The ability to attend to household tasks or spend more time with family during the day has created a more balanced lifestyle for many.
The Future of Remote Work
It is clear to see that remote work is here to stay. Employees love the flexibility, autonomy and balance it provides, with many saying they’d consider leaving their jobs if forced to return to the office full-time.
But that doesn’t mean companies don’t have a role to play. Offering perks like gym memberships or childcare assistance could entice some employees back to the office a few days a week, but the benefits of remote work far outweigh the occasional perks of in-office life.
Want to explore our full report into remote working? Click here to read the full report!
Has this report got you thinking about how BoltChatAI could help you uncover deep insights? Hit that button in the top right corner to book a demo with our team and start unlocking the power of AI-powered Qual at Scale!
