Remote Work and Learning: Global Insights

Remote Work Capability

Over half (54%) of global respondents reported that they can work remotely. When asked how much of their work can be done remotely:

54% said all or most
29% said some
24% said quite a bit
4% said none

Concerns About Returning to the Office

A significant 80% of respondents cited fear of contracting COVID-19 as their main concern when returning to and commuting to the office. Specific concerns included:

Getting exposed to the coronavirus: 80%
Exposure while commuting: 44%
People not following social distancing guidelines: 37%
People not wearing masks: 37%
Household members being exposed: 35%
Household members being exposed while commuting: 27%
Using shared spaces (kitchen, bathroom, elevator): 27%
Using shared equipment (printer, phone, computer): 25%
Seeing family members less: 18%
Not being able to travel for work: 15%
Not being able to travel for leisure: 14%
Other: 2%
No concerns: 2%

Preference for Remote Work

A strong majority (85%) would prefer to continue working from home at least a few days a week in the future, especially in the US, Canada, and UK. Preferences for future work arrangements were:

30% prefer working from home every day
30% prefer working from home most days (3-4 days from home, 1-2 days in the office)
25% prefer going to the office most days (3-4 days in the office, 1-2 days from home)
15% prefer going to the office every day

Comfort Returning to Work

Nearly half (46%) of respondents will not feel comfortable returning to the office until a vaccine is available. Factors that would make people comfortable returning include:

Availability of a vaccine: 39%
Reduced density at work: 37%
Frequent cleaning protocols: 33%
Personal protective equipment: 32%
Temperature checks: 27%
COVID-19 testing: 25%
Other: 12%

Desired Employer Benefits

Flexible work hours and the ability to work from home are the top benefits people want from employers when seeking a new job:

Flexible work hours: 54%
Ability to work from home: 50%
Health insurance: 41%
Retirement benefits: 37%
Paid time off: 37%
Child or dependent care assistance: 19%
Career development opportunities: 17%
Other: 7%

Work Preferences by Living Situation

Those living with others or children are more likely to want to go to the office most days. Preferences by living situation:

Live with kids:

15% office every day
32% office most days
32% home most days
21% home every day

Live with others:

15% office every day
27% office most days
32% home most days
26% home every day

Live alone:

15% office every day
18% office most days
34% home most days
33% home every day

Improving Remote Work Experience

A large majority (86%) of employees believe companies can do more to improve remote working, particularly by providing new hardware and covering WiFi expenses. Desired improvements include:

Better WiFi at home: 48%
New hardware (laptop, monitor, etc.): 46%
Better software: 41%
Better communication tools: 40%
Better tech support: 36%
Better training: 32%
Other: 12%

Remote Learning: Impact and Preferences

A significant 86% of parents of online learners feel that remote learning has negatively impacted their children academically. The extent of negative impact reported:

Not at all: 12%
Slightly: 17%
Moderately: 37%
Significantly: 34%

Supplementing Online Learning

55% of caregivers of online students are supplementing education with tutoring or extra coursework. Current modes of schooling:

In the classroom: 16%
Remote learning only: 41%
Hybrid model: 17%

Supplementing online learning:

55% yes
45% no

In-Person vs. Online Learning

57% of people feel that hands-on learning and discussions are better in-person than online. Reasons for preferring in-person learning include:

Subject is better experienced hands-on: 57%
Harder to build relationships with other students online: 53%
Harder to build relationships with teachers online: 49%
Harder to stay focused online: 46%
Harder to ask questions online: 37%
Other: 21%

Preference for In-Person Learning

Over half (56%) prefer some level of in-person learning. When comparing online to in-person education:

Learning in-person is preferred: 44%
Online is better: 27%
No difference: 29%

Socialization:

Socialization better in-person: 36%
Socialization worse in-person: 33%
No difference: 31%

Stress Related to Online Learning

60% of parents are experiencing moderate to great levels of stress related to online learning—more so than the children themselves. Reported levels of stress or anxiety:

Moderate: 39%
Great: 23%
Some: 21%
None: 17%

Parental Adjustments for Remote Learning

Around two-thirds of parents have made adjustments to their own work to support their children’s remote learning. Adjustments include:

Adjusted work schedule: 39%
Reduced work hours: 33%
None of the above: 29%
Have a friend or family member assist: 23%

Key Takeaways

Flexible work hours and the ability to work from home are the most desired benefits from employers.
86% of employees believe companies can improve remote work by providing new hardware and covering WiFi expenses.
86% of parents of online learners feel remote learning has negatively impacted their children academically.
55% of caregivers are supplementing online education with tutoring or extra coursework.
57% believe hands-on learning and discussions are better in-person.
Over half (56%) prefer some level of in-person learning.
60% of parents are experiencing moderate to great stress related to online learning.
Around two-thirds of parents have adjusted their work to support their children’s remote learning.