Moneypenny - an outsourced communications provider - polled 2,000 UK workers over the age of 18 years and who are presently working from home, to show how they are managing with bringing their work life home during the pandemic.
Over 52 per cent of workers said they were happy to continue to work from home. However, 37 per cent stated that they are starting to feel the strain and 6 per cent admitted that they were already struggling - suggesting that some adjustments were needed in their home working schedule.
When it comes to routine, the findings were that a new schedule is being instigated when staff are working from home.
Almost half of the home workers reported that they got up less than an hour before they started work; 17 per cent get up about 30 minutes before; 15 per cent 45 minutes before work and 42 per cent stated that they get up about one hour before they were due to start.
Confessing to only getting up about 15 minutes before commencing their working day were 6 per cent of home workers – with a further 5 per cent disclosing that they get up just 10 minutes before.
Finding the perfect place within the home can be difficult, as the home is filled with distractions, such as television. The survey found that 24 per cent of adults preferred to work from their living room and 15 per cent of people said that they prefer the comfort of a table in order to conduct their daily work - with more comfortable seating such as sofas and beds coming in as a close second.
The respondents to the survey also gave recommendations when it comes to home working. They suggested that workers should use a comfortable chair and have their own space to focus; they should devise a writing plan; ensure they have regular breaks for fresh air; listen to music and keep active.
When asked if companies had helped with setting up a home office, 53 per cent of respondents said that they did not receive any help from their employer, whilst 26 per cent stated that they were able to take home a screen and to stock up on any necessary office supplies. Vouchers or cash to purchase all necessary items were given to 16 per cent of the home workers.
Joanna Swash - CEO at Moneypenny - commented:
“It’s clear that many companies are relying on their staff having a full home office to enable them to work from home and companies should be auditing the facilities their staff need and providing them. We also have research that shows that 1 in 10 UK businesses are still sending staff into the office to answer phone calls which is not necessary when there are so many tech solutions available that don’t cost a fortune and can help provide efficient communications.”
Of those surveyed, 46 per cent stated that they made sure to stick to their normal lunch hours, with 28 per cent saying that they take shorter lunch breaks then they usually would when in the office and 11 per cent stating that they take longer breaks. Some - 15 per cent - stated that they do not take any lunch breaks at all.
However, the boundaries between work and free time appear to be blurring with 73 per cent of home workers saying that they are answering calls and emails after working hours.
