Data Shows Return-to-Work Mandates Should Consider a More Flexible Approach

Rhea-AI Summary

HireQuest Inc (Nasdaq:HQI) has released a report titled 'Navigating Remote and Hybrid Work: Impacts on U.S. Companies and the Economy', highlighting the complexities of remote work and return-to-work strategies. The report reveals contradictions between executive preferences and actual productivity data. While 86% of executives want employees to return to workplaces for improved productivity, studies show that remote work can increase productivity by 13%.

The report suggests that hybrid workplace strategies might be a more effective solution, balancing the benefits of both remote and in-office work. HireQuest CEO Rick Hermanns emphasizes the importance of case-by-case consideration for hybrid work structures. The whitepaper also examines the economic impacts of remote work, including decreased downtown foot traffic, lower local tax revenues, and increased demand for suburban housing.

Positive

• HireQuest released a comprehensive report on remote work and return-to-work strategies
• Data shows remote work can increase productivity by 13%
• 53% of remote employees reported better focus at home, with up to 29% claiming higher productivity
• Hybrid work structures suggested as a potential solution to balance benefits of remote and in-office work

Negative

• 86% of executives want employees to return to workplaces, potentially conflicting with productivity data
• 85% of managers don't trust employees to remain productive while working from home
• Remote work has led to decreased foot traffic in downtown areas and lower local tax revenues
• Shift to remote work has stressed suburban infrastructure

HireQuest reports remote work and return-to-work strategies are more complicated than many executives and employees acknowledge.

GOOSE CREEK, S.C., Sept. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HireQuest Inc (Nasdaq:HQI), a global staffing and talent management company with more than 500 franchises around the world, has released a report detailing the complexities of remote work and return-to-work mandates. The whitepaper, Navigating Remote and Hybrid Work: Impacts on U.S. Companies and the Economy, provides an in-depth view of these complex topics.

The report shows that data doesn't always align with company beliefs. For example, 86% of executives say they want employees to return to workplaces to improve productivity. One survey cited by HireQuest shows that 85% of managers simply don't trust their employees to remain productive while working from home.

Despite these concerns, data shows that moving workers from the office to the home can increase productivity by 13%. When Stanford surveyed remote employees, 53% said they could focus better at home, and up to 29% said they're more productive while working from home.

These contradictions likely mean employers and employees should consider more flexible, hybrid workplace strategies.

"Hybrid structures seem to give everyone what they want. Requirements to spend some time in the office don't hurt the productivity gained from at-home work. What hybrid work looks like, however, could differ tremendously depending on the organization. It's important to take it on a case-by-case basis," says HireQuest CEO Rick Hermanns. "We see the information shared in this report key for our franchises to be informed and share with their clients as leaders in the people business."

Remote Work's Impact on the Economy

The HireQuest white paper also examines how shifting paradigms affect the economy. Some findings show that remote work has:

• Decreased foot traffic in downtown areas
• Lowered local tax revenues
• Decreased demand for office supplies
• Lowered revenues from parking fees, public transportation, and commuter taxes
• Increased demand for suburban housing
• Stressed suburban infrastructure

Learn more about HireQuest's findings by downloading Navigating Remote and Hybrid Work: Impacts on U.S. Companies and the Economy, here.

About HireQuest Inc.
HireQuest, Inc. is a nationwide franchisor of direct dispatch, executive search, and commercial staffing solutions for HireQuest Direct, HireQuest, Snelling, HireQuest Health, TradeCorp, MRINetwork, SearchPath Global, and Northbound Executive Search franchised offices around the globe. Through its international network of over 500 franchisee-owned offices, HireQuest provides employment for approximately 73,000 individuals annually who work for customers in numerous industries, including construction, light industrial, manufacturing, hospitality, clerical, medical, travel, financial services, and event services. For more information, visit www.hirequest.com

For more information: Ashley Smith, ashley.smith@mrinetwork.com

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SOURCE HireQuest

FAQ

What does HireQuest's report reveal about remote work productivity?

HireQuest's report shows that moving workers from the office to home can increase productivity by 13%, with 53% of remote employees reporting better focus at home and up to 29% claiming higher productivity.

How do executives' views on return-to-work compare with productivity data according to HireQuest's report?

The report reveals a contradiction: 86% of executives want employees to return to workplaces to improve productivity, while data shows that remote work can actually increase productivity by 13%.

What solution does HireQuest (Nasdaq:HQI) propose for balancing remote and in-office work?

HireQuest suggests considering more flexible, hybrid workplace strategies that balance the benefits of both remote and in-office work, emphasizing the need for case-by-case consideration.

What economic impacts of remote work does HireQuest's report highlight?

The report highlights decreased foot traffic in downtown areas, lower local tax revenues, decreased demand for office supplies, lower revenues from parking and public transportation, increased demand for suburban housing, and stressed suburban infrastructure.