Now, a four-year study by the University of South Australia has confirmed what employees long suspected: they thrive when allowed to work from home.
While not without its challenges, the data strongly suggests that remote work greatly improves work-life balance.
Another notable change was in eating habits. Not having to carry a soggy sandwich from the house to the office, or fork out for an overpriced meal deal, the study found that remote workers are also more likely to eat more fruit and vegetables, as well as more homemade meals.
But perhaps most striking of all, remote workers gain an extra 30 minutes of rest per night.
But actually, the University of South Australia research found the opposite—that working from home had no impact on performance. In fact, productivity was stable and in many cases even improved.
But here’s the catch: Choice matters.
Just like how working in an office can be a great, enjoyable experience for those who actually want to be there, productivity, motivation and wellbeing all improved when remote work was a personal choice, rather than a mandated one.
