How Remote Work Is Impacting Productivity: 5 Trends For Dispersed Teams

Rhea-AI Summary

New research by Robert Half reveals five key productivity trends among U.S. workers due to remote work. The study, based on over 2,400 professionals, indicates that productivity peaks on Mondays and Tuesdays. Workers typically achieve their best performance in the late morning and early afternoon, with 35% citing unnecessary meetings as a major hindrance. While 35% claim higher productivity at home, two-thirds feel their managers prioritize contributions over work hours. This study highlights the importance of trust and effective communication in maximizing productivity.

Positive

• Productivity peaks on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• 35% of workers report higher productivity working from home.
• Two-thirds of employees feel valued for their contributions rather than work location.

Negative

• 35% of workers cite unnecessary meetings as a productivity barrier.

MENLO PARK, Calif., July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to productivity, workers share more similarities than differences, new research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half shows. A survey of more than 2,400 professionals in the U.S. reveals five productivity trends that have taken shape since the shift to remote work.

1. Productivity peaks early in the week. Employees get the most done on Monday and Tuesday, whether at home or in the office. Results are consistent with a similar survey conducted in 2019, before the rise of remote and hybrid work.
2. Professionals have defined power hours. Most workers hit their stride in the late morning (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and early afternoon (1 to 4 p.m.), regardless of where they sit. Very few tackle their to-dos during lunch or evening hours.
   
   
3. Meetings are getting in the way. When asked to share what most impedes their productivity, the top response was unnecessary calls and meetings (35%), followed by conversations with colleagues (25%).
   
   
4. Home is where it happens. While 1 in 5 professionals (21%) said they're equally productive wherever they work, 35% reported accomplishing more at home. Those commuting to the office perform best in a private space (43%) versus a collaborative one (16%).
   
   
5. Concerns about flexible work are waning. Two-thirds of employees (66%) feel their boss cares more about their contributions to the company than when and where they work. Separate research from Robert Half shows 27% of managers don't mind if their direct reports put in fewer than 40 hours a week, as long as the job gets done.

"Trust and open communication are essential when it comes to flexible work," said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. "Employees need to show they can manage their time by meeting deadlines and being available to collaborate. And in turn, managers need to lead by example and evaluate performance based on achieving business and individual goals."

McDonald added, "Understanding work habits and preferences — and focusing on results — is key to maximizing productivity. When team members communicate their schedules and are aligned on goals, they're more effective."

View a video of the research highlights and visit the Robert Half blog for additional tips on maximizing productivity, whether working from home or the office.

About the Research

The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 2,400 workers 18 years of age or older in finance, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, human resources, and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in the U.S. (conducted May 17-30, 2022).

About Robert Half

Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. Robert Half offers contract and permanent placement solutions and is the parent company of Protiviti^®, a global consulting firm. Visit roberthalf.com and download the company's award-winning mobile app.

 

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SOURCE Robert Half

FAQ

What are the productivity trends identified by Robert Half?

Robert Half's research identifies productivity peaks early in the week, a defined power hour in late morning and early afternoon, interference from unnecessary meetings, a preference for home productivity, and decreasing concerns about flexible work.

When was the Robert Half productivity survey conducted?

The survey was conducted between May 17-30, 2022.

What percentage of workers prefers working from home according to Robert Half?

35% of workers report being more productive when working from home.

What is Robert Half's stock symbol?

Robert Half's stock symbol is RHI.

What major concerns do employees have regarding productivity?

35% of employees indicated that unnecessary meetings and calls are significant barriers to their productivity.