Potential productivity boost from working at home and telecommuting

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According to a study done by Clutch, 29% employees often work from home while 18% work from either a coworking space or a public free space such as a coffee shop or library. These numbers point to a rising trend of working outside a normal office.

At least 54% of employees with the option to telework, say they are most productive when they work outside a traditional office environment and 26% of employees who have telework flexibility say a better work-life balance is the top benefit of working outside the office.

Just over one in five respondents (21%) are drawn to teleworking because they prefer to set their own hours.

However, the study also reveals the drawbacks of telecommuting where 22% are abusing the benefit, 22% also feel isolated and missing a team environment while 17% have strained interpersonal relationships due to lack of face time. Additionally, 12% said that loss of face time means telecommuting workers may not be considered for new projects or promotions.

Paul McDonald, senior executive director for Robert Half said: "Work-from-home arrangements are most successful when employers set clear parameters and invest in technology, such as videoconferencing, to help remote personnel feel like they are part of the team."

Clutch's study comprised of 1,003 employees whose work can be completed in an office while Robert Half surveyed more than 2,800 workers in the United States.

Lead Photo / iStock Photo / Clutch and Robert Half respectively