Remote Work and Return-to-Office Preferences

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
• 21% said some
• 24% 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%
• Getting exposed to the coronavirus while commuting: 44%
• People not following safety measures: 37%
• People in my household being exposed to the coronavirus: 37%
• Having to wear a mask for long periods of time: 35%
• Not having access to the same amenities as before: 27%
• Not being able to maintain social distancing: 25%
• Not being able to travel for work: 18%
• Seeing family members or friends less often: 15%
• Not being able to travel for leisure: 14%
• Other: 2%
• No concerns: 2%

Future Work Preferences

A large majority (85%) would prefer to continue working from home at least a few days a week in the future, with this preference being particularly strong in the US, Canada, and UK. When asked about their preferred work arrangement if given the choice:

• 30% prefer going to the office most days
• 20% prefer working from home every day
• 35% prefer working from home most days
• 15% prefer going to the office most days but working from home 1-2 days a week

Comfort Levels for 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 to their work setting include:

• Availability of a vaccine: 39%
• Flexible work hours: 37%
• Reduced density at work: 33%
• Personal protective equipment: 32%
• Ability to work from home: 30%

Desired Employer Benefits

Flexible work hours and the ability to work from home are the top benefits people want from an employer when looking for a new job:

• Flexible work hours: 54%
• Ability to work from home: 50%
• Health insurance: 47%
• Retirement benefits: 37%
• Paid time off: 36%
• Child or family care assistance: 19%
• Career development opportunities: 17%
• Other: 7%

Demographic Differences in Work Preferences

Those living with others or with children are more likely to want to go to the office most days. Preferences by country for working arrangements are as follows:

United States:

• 32% Office most days
• 19% Home every day
• 34% Home most days
• 15% Office most days but 1-2 days from home

Canada:

• 31% Office most days
• 18% Home every day
• 36% Home most days
• 15% Office most days but 1-2 days from home

United Kingdom:

• 31% Office most days
• 18% Home every day
• 36% Home most days
• 15% Office most days but 1-2 days from home

Singapore:

• 28% Office most days
• 22% Home every day
• 36% Home most days
• 14% Office most days but 1-2 days from home

France:

• 25% Office most days
• 22% Home every day
• 38% Home most days
• 15% Office most days but 1-2 days from home

Germany:

• 25% Office most days
• 22% Home every day
• 38% Home most days
• 15% Office most days but 1-2 days from home

India:

• 21% Office most days
• 29% Home every day
• 36% Home most days
• 14% Office most days but 1-2 days from home

Improving the Remote Work Experience

A strong 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 collaboration tools: 39%
• Other: 12%

Impact of Remote Learning on Children and Parents

A significant 86% of parents of online learners feel that remote learning has negatively impacted their children academically. When asked about the degree of negative impact:

• 12% Not at all
• 37% Moderately
• 33% Somewhat
• 17% Slightly

Additionally, 55% of caregivers are supplementing online education with tutoring or extra coursework.

Current Modes of School Attendance

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

Perceptions of In-Person vs. Online Learning

A majority (57%) feel that hands-on learning and discussions are better in-person than online. Reasons cited for preferring in-person learning include:

• Subject engagement: 57%
• Harder to build relationships with other students: 53%
• Harder to build relationships with teachers: 49%
• Harder to stay focused: 46%
• Harder to ask questions: 41%
• Harder to get help: 37%
• Other: 21%

Learning Environment Preferences

• 44% prefer in-person
• 29% prefer a hybrid model
• 27% prefer online

Socialization Comparison

• Much better in-person: 19%
• Somewhat better in-person: 18%
• Somewhat worse in-person: 33%
• Much worse in-person: 30%

Stress and Adjustments Due to Online Learning

60% of parents are experiencing moderate to great levels of stress related to online learning, a higher rate than reported by children themselves. Levels of stress or anxiety related to online learning:

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

To support their children with remote learning, around two-thirds of parents have made adjustments to their own work:

• Adjusted work schedule: 39%
• Reduced work hours: 35%
• None of the above: 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.