New Research found Work from home workers to be less productive

[Distinctin]

I could not attest to it because I myself is also a work from home worker and yet, I still manage to finish my task on its due date, and on its best outcome. However, probably with workers who have a lot of distractions at home, like they need to take care of their kids and attend to their needs, send them to school, do the household chores, most likely the time to get the job done will be affected as well as its outcome and productivity. If the same scenario will continue, this will leave a negative impact on the company causing its productivity rate to suddenly fall.

[Franctoshi]

A study published by the American private nonprofit research organization the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the productivity of workers randomly assigned to work from home was 18% lower than that of those in the office.
https://africa.businessinsider.com/careers/new-research-finds-that-fully-remote-workers-are-less-productive-than-their-in-office/4vxn4sy

These researchers found that if you work from home you will be less efficient and productive than people who from their office. Can we say the same about freelance workers?  Do you think that if workers are given the chance to "own" a task like freelancers they'll be more productive because it is just like being self-employed where you treat it as your business and not with the mindset of another man's business?

Sometimes I wonder how they carry out these surveys because in reality, the results are quite different from what results they published online and I don't know the criteria they used in judging and publishing this article. I do think that the point at which they are mainly looking on is the basis that people don't carry loads around in the house as used to in offices and workplaces.

[Vaskiy]

I could not attest to it because I myself is also a work from home worker and yet, I still manage to finish my task on its due date, and on its best outcome. However, probably with workers who have a lot of distractions at home, like they need to take care of their kids and attend to their needs, send them to school, do the household chores, most likely the time to get the job done will be affected as well as its outcome and productivity. If the same scenario will continue, this will leave a negative impact on the company causing its productivity rate to suddenly fall.

As said the work from home atmosphere won't be the same as we have in the workplace. Whatever the arrangements we make to keep ourselves separated, there'll be disturbances and this doesn't make the person go down with his performance. People who work for8 hours now work more than that, because it had been an easy task for the higher authorities to seek support with the employees whenever required. Beyond the working hours they shouldn't be disturbed.

[Iroh]

These researchers found that if you work from home you will be less efficient and productive than people who from their office. Can we say the same about freelance workers?  Do you think that if workers are given the chance to "own" a task like freelancers they'll be more productive because it is just like being self-employed where you treat it as your business and not with the mindset of another man's business?

I do not share the same opinions of these researchers. Employees do not become less productive just cause they work from home. Admittedly, there would be some few people who might actually become less productive due to working from home as well with other reasons but I think majority of people who work from home tend to get the job done.
There are employees who work much better and are more productive with little to no supervision. Without your supervisor being physically present, breathing down your neck, watching your every move and making sure things are done by the book, an employee could learn to be innovative and more effective than others physically going into the office.

I think it mostly depends on the employee and the approach to work. An unproductive employee would remain unproductive working from either the home or the office.

[uneng]

I could not attest to it because I myself is also a work from home worker and yet, I still manage to finish my task on its due date, and on its best outcome. However, probably with workers who have a lot of distractions at home, like they need to take care of their kids and attend to their needs, send them to school, do the household chores, most likely the time to get the job done will be affected as well as its outcome and productivity. If the same scenario will continue, this will leave a negative impact on the company causing its productivity rate to suddenly fall.

As said the work from home atmosphere won't be the same as we have in the workplace. Whatever the arrangements we make to keep ourselves separated, there'll be disturbances and this doesn't make the person go down with his performance. People who work for8 hours now work more than that, because it had been an easy task for the higher authorities to seek support with the employees whenever required. Beyond the working hours they shouldn't be disturbed.

I think it all depends on how admins are managing the employees who work from home. If there is pressure for productivity over them, they will put more effort and meet the requirements of their employers, otherwise they know they are going to lose the spot and the opportunity of working. But when admins don't follow employees closely, they will decrease performance, without any doubts.

Actually, the same can happen at physical workplaces. The point is that it's easier to manage employees at the office than managing them from distance, although it's not impossible, though.

[Synchronice]

https://africa.businessinsider.com/careers/new-research-finds-that-fully-remote-workers-are-less-productive-than-their-in-office/4vxn4sy

I beg to disagree with this publication, it's their view but it doesn't matter if you are working in the office or at home, all that matters is to get the job done and be gainfully employed as a citizen of a country. In that way, you will be able to live the good life you desire and will also be able to transact financially among other people in the country which is what encourages the economy.

No, no, that statistics is actually true and I'll explain why it is true. When you are at home, you are more relax than in your office. At home, we all have habits of drinking beer, watching TV, doing some random staff, home is a very different area where we were always relaxed since our birth. Also, if you are not alone at home, it's very hard to keep your attention on work because parents or siblings will sometimes call you and or attach you some duties. That's why a lot of people that I can confirm from my personal experience, buy a membership of special co-working office spaces to feel the atmosphere of the working environment, be more focused on their work and less destructed by others. Definitely, it doesn't apply to everyone but it's true for majority of people.

[xSkylarx]

https://africa.businessinsider.com/careers/new-research-finds-that-fully-remote-workers-are-less-productive-than-their-in-office/4vxn4sy

I beg to disagree with this publication, it's their view but it doesn't matter if you are working in the office or at home, all that matters is to get the job done and be gainfully employed as a citizen of a country. In that way, you will be able to live the good life you desire and will also be able to transact financially among other people in the country which is what encourages the economy.

No, no, that statistics is actually true and I'll explain why it is true. When you are at home, you are more relax than in your office. At home, we all have habits of drinking beer, watching TV, doing some random staff, home is a very different area where we were always relaxed since our birth. Also, if you are not alone at home, it's very hard to keep your attention on work because parents or siblings will sometimes call you and or attach you some duties. That's why a lot of people that I can confirm from my personal experience, buy a membership of special co-working office spaces to feel the atmosphere of the working environment, be more focused on their work and less destructed by others. Definitely, it doesn't apply to everyone but it's true for majority of people.

Though you have a point because of the distractions, and for sure you've experienced it, I've been working remotely for a couple of years right now, and I've met up and talked to tons of people that are working remotely, and even I've joined a group, but all of them say that they don't get distracted when it comes to working remotely, meaning they develop a focus so that even if those distractions are there, they still continue to work, and right now they will say they are not distracted to work, and also they have their own work space where they are working. From my personal experience, as I've worked in an office before, I am less productive in an office than here in my remote job because, by the end of the day, you'll need to report what you've done on a day, unlike in an office where there were no meetings; you've just casually gone out, and even if you haven't done some things, it doesn't matter. But again, that is what I've noticed.

[EarnOnVictor]

https://africa.businessinsider.com/careers/new-research-finds-that-fully-remote-workers-are-less-productive-than-their-in-office/4vxn4sy

I beg to disagree with this publication, it's their view but it doesn't matter if you are working in the office or at home, all that matters is to get the job done and be gainfully employed as a citizen of a country. In that way, you will be able to live the good life you desire and will also be able to transact financially among other people in the country which is what encourages the economy.

No, no, that statistics is actually true and I'll explain why it is true. When you are at home, you are more relax than in your office. At home, we all have habits of drinking beer, watching TV, doing some random staff, home is a very different area where we were always relaxed since our birth. Also, if you are not alone at home, it's very hard to keep your attention on work because parents or siblings will sometimes call you and or attach you some duties. That's why a lot of people that I can confirm from my personal experience, buy a membership of special co-working office spaces to feel the atmosphere of the working environment, be more focused on their work and less destructed by others. Definitely, it doesn't apply to everyone but it's true for majority of people.

Though you have a point because of the distractions, and for sure you've experienced it, I've been working remotely for a couple of years right now, and I've met up and talked to tons of people that are working remotely, and even I've joined a group, but all of them say that they don't get distracted when it comes to working remotely, meaning they develop a focus so that even if those distractions are there, they still continue to work, and right now they will say they are not distracted to work, and also they have their own work space where they are working. From my personal experience, as I've worked in an office before, I am less productive in an office than here in my remote job because, by the end of the day, you'll need to report what you've done on a day, unlike in an office where there were no meetings; you've just casually gone out, and even if you haven't done some things, it doesn't matter. But again, that is what I've noticed.

Thank you for this, when I first responded, I wasn't thinking about myself alone but also those who I know working from home. Working from home is beyond what many think, and what @Synchronice explained is right, only that it's applicable to a few, especially women that are either housewives or nursing mothers, even though many of them still have their strict moments. The people I know who work online are real hustlers, thinkers and creators, it's serious work when the time comes to work and nothing will distract them, not even friends or family. It's about getting the job done whether you are working for yourself or working for a company, after all, your success on the job would only be measured by your seriousness. Unless you are either lazy or unserious, you have to get it done even at home.

I've tasted the two sides as I've worked with a bank and the government of my country, and I could even say that more talking and engagement in unnecessary things happened then than when working from home. The only difference is that I earn more working at home (higher productivity) than working at my former jobs which was one of the reasons I quit instead of them controlling my time and still paying me less.

And in detail, it started with online trading, then graduated to trading and marketing. I still realized that I had more hours because I usually close between 5-6 PM daily. So I decided to start writing books in my spare time. I'm now planning to add an offline business in which I will employ people but will only be managing and supervising it in addition to all that. That is what I call "productivity."

You see, it depends on you and how focused you are. Personally, I've not seen a lazy online worker so far they get the job done, and for me, it makes me earn more, control my time, and make me think. Even now, I have a lot of projects written down to execute as I get more financial power.

All I see here is freedom and productivity.

[MarjorieZimmermanGinger]

I could not attest to it because I myself is also a work from home worker and yet, I still manage to finish my task on its due date, and on its best outcome. However, probably with workers who have a lot of distractions at home, like they need to take care of their kids and attend to their needs, send them to school, do the household chores, most likely the time to get the job done will be affected as well as its outcome and productivity.

I agree that these two jobs are separated and not equated to all existing forms of work. Some work can be done at home without having to have an office, such as a designer or other freelance work, distractions at work such as taking care of children can be adjusted and maybe you can see the right time to work. Except for women who do have more homework compared to men, but when we are able to manage time, I think working at home can also be productive and can be completed on time.

If the same scenario will continue, this will leave a negative impact on the company causing its productivity rate to suddenly fall.

It's best to get to know the job first, whether working at home can increase work productivity or not. If it affects you, then you have to find a way to solve it. There was a lot of work done at home when Covid-19 happened and it didn't interfere with the productivity of workers to complete their tasks and that has happened a lot in my country, but it depends on what type of work we do.

[doomloop]

No I think this is the opposite, the corporate environment can create many distractions and interruptions, from commuting to time spent on social media. When you come to work, you may feel more tired and easily get lost in leisure activities instead of work.

You're ridiculous, how is it possible that in a work environment with clear and formal rules you're allowed to do things outside of duty? Unless you're a typical worker who likes to break rules that are not implemented too strictly.

To be fair, if you have a busy home, like a wife and a few kids, and you do not explain them well enough that you need to work and they do not respect your working space, then it's true that you are going to be able to be a lot more productive at work. But if you are single, or married with no kids, or married with kids but they all respect your working space, those are all things that can make you even more productive.

As someone who has worked at home for god knows how long, I can tell you that it's definitely better to work at home. I am a lot more productive at home because nobody bothers me here, and I am in my own room and working for hours and hours a day every single day and that makes it a lot better without a doubt.

I'm working from home as well and I can definitely vouch for that. I mean, it totally depends on what kind of a nature you have, if you love your work, and you like doing it in the best way you can, you will be way more productive working from home having your own working space without any disturbance or anything, it doesn't get better at all. But, if you are someone who basically doesn't like the job but is compelled to do it since you have no other options, you will most likely be less productive when you are working since you won't focus much on the work.

When you are in the office, whether you like your work or not, you will have to do it and do it exactly how the management wants you to, and if you don't, they are watching you all the time, but when you are working from home, you will be free from that so you might get distracted pretty easily.

[Fortify]

A study published by the American private nonprofit research organization the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the productivity of workers randomly assigned to work from home was 18% lower than that of those in the office.
https://africa.businessinsider.com/careers/new-research-finds-that-fully-remote-workers-are-less-productive-than-their-in-office/4vxn4sy

These researchers found that if you work from home you will be less efficient and productive than people who from their office. Can we say the same about freelance workers?  Do you think that if workers are given the chance to "own" a task like freelancers they'll be more productive because it is just like being self-employed where you treat it as your business and not with the mindset of another man's business?

I actually see it all the time, it can be hard to focus at home with so many distractions or a person can even feel guilty because they are unable to manage their time, so it ends up overspilling into all sorts of crazy unproductive hours. I don't want to see someone working from 8am to 8pm with a whole bunch of gaps in between if I'm their manager, because that must end up crushing them slowly and very few people can work to these sort of boundaries. There is a small group of people that seem capable of adapting to a work at home environment and I guess with a nice enough home it can work out for the better. However it tends to be IT professionals rather than the wider population who maybe can adjust the easiest.

[dunfida]

No I think this is the opposite, the corporate environment can create many distractions and interruptions, from commuting to time spent on social media. When you come to work, you may feel more tired and easily get lost in leisure activities instead of work.

You're ridiculous, how is it possible that in a work environment with clear and formal rules you're allowed to do things outside of duty? Unless you're a typical worker who likes to break rules that are not implemented too strictly.

To be fair, if you have a busy home, like a wife and a few kids, and you do not explain them well enough that you need to work and they do not respect your working space, then it's true that you are going to be able to be a lot more productive at work. But if you are single, or married with no kids, or married with kids but they all respect your working space, those are all things that can make you even more productive.

As someone who has worked at home for god knows how long, I can tell you that it's definitely better to work at home. I am a lot more productive at home because nobody bothers me here, and I am in my own room and working for hours and hours a day every single day and that makes it a lot better without a doubt.

I'm working from home as well and I can definitely vouch for that. I mean, it totally depends on what kind of a nature you have, if you love your work, and you like doing it in the best way you can, you will be way more productive working from home having your own working space without any disturbance or anything, it doesn't get better at all. But, if you are someone who basically doesn't like the job but is compelled to do it since you have no other options, you will most likely be less productive when you are working since you won't focus much on the work.

When you are in the office, whether you like your work or not, you will have to do it and do it exactly how the management wants you to, and if you don't, they are watching you all the time, but when you are working from home, you will be free from that so you might get distracted pretty easily.

Each person does have their own different passion and interest or preference and its true that if you do love on what you are doing then you would definitely be efficient. Somewhat to those people who do live or deal with

things that are out of their comfort zone or interest doesnt automatically means that they do shitty work which it is really a wrong mindset or believe to have because we know that there are conditions which leaves us no choice but to deal up with things and adapt accordingly just because we dont really have any other option but to deal with it and this is something that would really be just that a common approach to have.
We know that there are things in life which we cant really be able to attain or get involved with no matter how hard we do try. This is why people would really be ending up on adapting on whats front of them.

The most important thing on here is to live and adapt on whatever things that we are facing.Even if it would really be that totally against on our interest or passion but if it turns out that there would be no other
choice then people or human beings would naturally be accepting it and would be totally loving it as the time passes by which it would really be just that part of human nature.

[Vaculin]

Perhaps this is true for most of the wfh workers as they might be lacking the motivation and interest to work in the first place. Maybe because their compensation may not be well suited enough, or they have personal distractions at home that’s hard for them to focus on their job well and compromise the effectivity of their jobs. While this is not true for some, but perhaps this research is also telling the reality about how inefficient and ineffective some of them that might put the progress of their company at risk.

[suzanne5223]

I believe the researcher that make the statement that working from home will make people less efficient and productive than people who from their office make this statement base on the impression and statement once made by Elon Musk when he cancel the idea of Twitter employees working from home this is the exact statement he makes to be the reason why he cancels it.

[Pejoh Asu]

I think the most important thing is that we can be productive or not be affected by the atmosphere or environment, if we work at home then we will think that we are in a relaxed area or environment, there is a bed, living room, cooking and so on, different from if we being in the office will make the work atmosphere more real than at home.

[Twentyonepaylots]

Perhaps this is true for most of the wfh workers as they might be lacking the motivation and interest to work in the first place. Maybe because their compensation may not be well suited enough, or they have personal distractions at home that’s hard for them to focus on their job well and compromise the effectivity of their jobs. While this is not true for some, but perhaps this research is also telling the reality about how inefficient and ineffective some of them that might put the progress of their company at risk.

As for me, sometimes it is not easy to stay motivated and focused when I am not in an office environment. Many distractions interfere with my productivity. However, working remotely has many benefits, such as reduced commute time and increased flexibility, which gives me more energy to maintain the quality of my work.

It definitely depends on the individual and their work style. Some people thrive in a home office setting, while others prefer an office's structure and social interaction. People must find what works best for them and their job responsibilities.

[radjie]

A person can be more productive working at home if they are consistent in carrying out their work. They can even get other additional jobs if they have more free time.  On the other hand, someone who works in an office looks more monotonous because they are burdened by the targets set by the company and only do the same tasks every day.

[Oilacris]

A person can be more productive working at home if they are consistent in carrying out their work. They can even get other additional jobs if they have more free time.  On the other hand, someone who works in an office looks more monotonous because they are burdened by the targets set by the company and only do the same tasks every day.

Whether you are having that job on your own home or on an office, you would really be still sharing up with that target set by the company and the tasks would really be just the same on day to day basis

on which there's no exemption to that but its true that having that job or work on the convenience on your own home doesnt really give out that kind of pressure unlike when you are inside of an office
and been seen by your own boss on which it do really give out that kind of feeling or emotion of being unease while you are working which i could say that this is really that something that could affect your efficiency at work. In overall i dont see that work from home people or workers are less efficient or productive compared to those who are going to office. Its impossible that they wont really be giving out such certain tasks for them do on on their own homes.

I do much prefer on having this way rather than on going into the office on day to day basis because we know that getting jammed in traffic do really sucks.
I do really like on working from home and saving up my ass on that condition. 

[romero121]

I believe the researcher that make the statement that working from home will make people less efficient and productive than people who from their office make this statement base on the impression and statement once made by Elon Musk when he cancel the idea of Twitter employees working from home this is the exact statement he makes to be the reason why he cancels it.

Elon Musk have big thoughts and to execute those things isn't an easy thing. He saw the decline in the progress of the current X, and he made the claim over the employees. If he had analysed well about the reason behind the same, he could've understood that his activities were the reason behind and not the employees. In my view when people are provided with work from home they'll work in a much relaxed manner than having the pressure of reaching the office on time. Making arrangements for the lunch and all other additional tasks gets cut.

[Uruhara]

A person can be more productive working at home if they are consistent in carrying out their work. They can even get other additional jobs if they have more free time.  On the other hand, someone who works in an office looks more monotonous because they are burdened by the targets set by the company and only do the same tasks every day.

Yeah right. But this all seems to depend on which vantage point we take to assess the decrease and increase in productivity itself. If the decrease and increase in productivity is for the benefit of the company, maybe working in an office is indeed getting better. But when it comes to productivity for employee or personal income, working at home seems to be able to make productivity for personal gain better. Because if an employee works at home then he can work while also working on the side which can make him have double income. i.e. main and additional income. Well this increases productivity for the employees themselves in matters of personal gain. But if you talk about increasing and decreasing the productivity of work by an employee for the benefit of the company, it is clear that there will be a slight decrease in this case. Because employees who are employed at home will definitely not only focus on one job. The employee will focus on personal gain and only work enough for the company and the rest of the time he will work on the side to make more money.