Poll finds many businesses embracing remote work options

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Many companies that have allowed employees to work from home during the pandemic have generally been pleased with results and plan to extend remote work policies into the future, according to results of a recent poll of more than 1,000 business executives.

A significant percentage of business owners and executives who took part in the survey said that they’d not only noticed no significant change in the quality or quantity of work turned in by remote workers, but that some people have actually been more productive while working at home.

The Harris Poll survey was conducted earlier this year on behalf of Oklahoma City-based Express Employment Professionals. Hiring decision-makers at 1,003 U.S. businesses offered input.

A sizable majority – 82% – of hiring managers at companies where employees have been allowed to work remotely over the last couple of years responded that their companies probably will allow staffers to continue working off-site in the future. According to a news release, pollsters also found that:

• More than half – 59% – of companies have experienced a “positive impact” as a whole, with 33% reporting “very positive” results.

• Well more than a third – 39% – reported no real change in the productivity of people working from home as compared to when they were required to work on-site.

• A similar percentage – 37% – reported that people working remotely have managed to become more productive.

• Currently facing hiring challenges, about a quarter of managers said their companies have begun offering remote work as an option for new workers.

• Some 68% of companies plan to extend remote work policies into the future in hopes of retaining employees.

Mike Brady, an Express Employment Professionals franchise owner in Florida, noted that another clear benefit for some companies that allow remote work has been that they’ve saved money.

“These entities are saving money on overhead costs and seeing improved performances as a bonus,” he said.

Hiring managers polled reported hearing from workers who preferred the flexibility that comes with not being tied to an office or other business location. Many workers have saved money themselves by not having to fill gas tanks as often to commute back and forth between homes and worksites.

“New grads want this option for the casual freedom that working from home brings,” Brady added. “Having your loving dog sit next to you while you work in your pajamas and sip coffee is attractive. Being able to choose wherever you want to live because you love it there is a draw over having to live somewhere because you work there.”

When – and if – the nation’s current workforce challenges begin to ease, it remains to be seen whether hybrid or fully remote workplace options might be prevalent, Express CEO Bill Stoller said.

“As long as productivity doesn’t suffer, offering a remote work option for employees has many benefits and is a popular incentive shaping many companies’ cultures right now,” Stoller said. “While this arrangement may not be feasible for everyone, competition for top talent is still fierce, so it may be worth a try.”