New data has highlighted that 29% of UK office workers saw a positive impact on their work-life balance as a result of returning to the workplace.
The research commissioned by digital coaching provider Ezra found that 30% have now returned full-time and 24% have done so on a part-time basis, both up from 17% in April. The number of staff working fully remotely fell by 21% in the past three months.
In terms of how a return to the workplace has positively impacted employees’ lives, 23% said their productivity had improved, with 13% benefitting from both a reduction in personal fatigue and an increase in career progression opportunities. Covid-19 (Coronavirus) anxiety and career-related stress saw the least positive influence, at 12% and 10% respectively.
In addition, the research revealed that 26% of office workers would be willing to take a reduced level of income in order to maintain a flexible working lifestyle, and the same number would look for alternative employment if their employer did not offer an ongoing level of flexible working.
Founder of Ezra Nick Goldberg commented that working from home seems to have improved productivity, fatigue and the work-life balance for many, however it has caused many to blur the lines between their personal and professional lives by working longer hours while actually achieving less.
“The process of going to a place of work allows us to define clear boundaries and allows us to switch on and off more effectively when it matters. As much as we need to perform professionally, the ability to rest and recuperate at the end of the day is also incredibly important and this is something we’ve lost since our homes have become our offices,” he said.
The survey of 2,058 UK office workers was carried out by Ezra via consumer research platform Find Out Now.