Digital.com, an independent review website for small business online tools, products and services, released findings from its survey of 1,000 remote workers. The survey was conducted to find out the “real reasons” workers wanted to stay at home beyond the usual answer of enjoying a flexible schedule. The survey asked questions that focused on factors such as caring for pets and children, the ability to nap, work out or watch TV during the workday, as well as concerns about appearance, and more.
It turns out that many workers got as attached to their pandemic pets as the pets did to them. Seventy-five percent of respondents stated that caring for pets was one of the reasons they wanted to stay away from the office, with 17 percent stating this was the number one factor in their decision.
An almost equal number (72 percent) said they wanted the freedom to exercise or nap during the day, while 73 percent said they wanted the ability to entertain themselves with TV, podcasts or other media while working.
In addition, 62 percent of respondents reported concerns about their appearance and seeing coworkers in-person again, including factors such as gained or lost weight and not having the right clothes for their workplace.
Although most respondents said they would go back to work in-person if they had to, 14 percent stated they would not leave their remote lifestyle even if required by their employers.
Dennis Consorte, small business and startup marketing consultant, explained, “More people are starting to realize that there’s tremendous value in having the flexibility to work remotely. They get to travel, to spend time with their families, to care for pets, and to work without a boss constantly checking up on them. Businesses should embrace this reality and offer more flexibility, not less. Start paying more attention to the value that each worker produces, and less attention to the hours they spend glued to a desk.”
Although there is inevitably tension between employers wanting their workers back in-person and employees wishing to stay remote, compromise is possible. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said they would be more willing to go back to work in-person if their workplace took steps to make the transition easier, such as allowing days in-office for pets or kids or relaxing rules about dress codes and headphone use.
For the full results of the survey, visit Digital.com at: https://digital.com/75-percent-of-remote-workers-cant-leave-their-pandemic-pets-behind/.
