New research has suggested that many employers are finally freeing staff from the daily commute, with two in five professionals (39%) able to work from locations other than the company’s main offices for at least half the week. This helps them reduce the cost and stress of commuting and reclaim the hours lost in limbo between their work and home lives.
The 2500-strong poll, commissioned by Regus, found that this new flexible workstyle benefits employers as well as staff. Over two fifths (43%) of workers report that they put in longer hours when they don’t have to commute, highlighting the link between flexible location and productivity. Around 67% of workers also say they spend more time with their partner and family and 60% spend more time exercising and getting fitter.
However, many workers’ aspirations to reduce the frequency of their commute are still thwarted by employer attitudes. Around 28% cited “company culture” as the main reason for single location working, implying the perceived need to be seen at their desk. This is despite the fact that a full half of respondents report that they have all the tools and technology they need to work anywhere.
For the two in five professionals who are genuine flexible workers, it seems that the key to success is having a choice of ‘third places’ – neither their home nor their office - such as local business centres, libraries and co-working hubs that allow them to avoid domestic distractions without a commute.
