Microsoft poll shines spotlight on remote working

Microsoft poll shines spotlight on remote working

Technology such as VoIP, instant messaging and video-conferencing is boosting employees’ ability to be productive by working remotely but bosses still need to trust them more, new research has shown.

A study by Microsoft, carried out for Microsoft for Anywhere Working Week, found that seven in ten workers say they get more done when they’re working from home, rather than in the office, and a further 38 per cent said they feel more creatively inspired at home.

The findings prove that remote working offers benefits for both employers and employees. In addition, staff who enjoy homeworking and feel valued and trusted are less likely to leave, making it easier for businesses to keep hold of experienced team members and minimise high employee turnover, which can be very costly.

However, the study also highlights that many businesses still have concerns which prevent them offering flexible working. Almost three-quarters said they had doubts about whether homeworkers would be as diligent as if they were in the office. There were also worries about how other staff would feel about homeworking.

Steve Tassel, unified communications product manager at Microsoft, has been quoted as saying, “I think the biggest problem with trust is around transparency. When we talk to managers, that is where a lot of their trust issues stem from – if my team is not in the office in front of me, I can’t see that they are working and getting the job done in an effective way.”

He added, “Technology such as video conferencing and instant messaging can solve some of those trust issues. Doing regular catch-ups online through something like a video call can really help allay those concerns that other people are not working or are not being as productive as you.”

hSo provides managed networks designed for business. To get an instant cost for a leased line at your location, visit our online leased line price checker.