THE majority of Americans say that working from home has increased their “digital overload” and has made them less productive, new research shows.
Of the 2,000 Americans surveyed by the Paper and Packaging board, nearly three-quarters said they’re more digitally connected than ever because they primarily communicate through email and video chat.
But as a result of being online more, six in 10 adults said they’re less productive.
The survey examined the biggest challenges for remote employees, the workspace upgrades they’ve made since working from home, and tools they miss from the office.
Two-thirds of respondents blamed the people they live with for their diminished productivity, while 62 percent chalked up their lack of attention to distractions in and around their home workspace.
About 40 percent of workers said they’re not as productive because they lack the proper tools.
While 74 percent of workers polled said they spend most of their day staring at a screen, over half said they’re now more likely to reach for a paper and pen during the workday.
Since going remote, the average respondent has gone through three different work-from-home spaces before finally settling on their favorite set up.
The top three requirements people listed for a solid remote workspace are a reliable internet, peace and quiet, and high-quality headphones.
To achieve this, 72 percent have bought a desk since they began to work from home and 62 percent have even splurged on a standing desk to replicate an office feel.
One office accessory respondents wish they had at home is a printer – seven in 10 of those surveyed said they’ve purchased once since the coronavirus pandemic started.
For some office workers it’s the little things they miss, like printing personal documents for free – something that 60 percent of workers wish they could still do.
Another 65 percent of remote employees miss the camaraderie of co-workers and being able to leave them notes or congratulatory cards at their desks.
Despite the drawbacks, Americans remain positive about the future of remote work.
Nearly 80 percent of workers believe they can continue to be productive while working from home long-term.
Of the respondents with children, 82 percent said they think they can maintain a strong balance between working remotely and parenting their children as their kids attend school virtually.
