Making Moves office consultants, in a new survey of more than 2,000 adults, found that working at the office for at least a few days per week can promote happiness.
Just 19.23% of employees said that they were unhappy with their job at any time of the week. This figure drops to 7.95% among Gen Z workers. This suggests that the majority of UK office workers (80.77%) are happy to work from home at least some days per week.
The report confirmed that the Friday was the most enjoyable day to work in the office. Thursday is the least pleasant day.
The study found that the top reasons UK office workers work from home include:
- Socialising with colleagues (41.52%).
- Get out of the House – (39%)
- Improved communication and collaboration with colleagues (35.69%)
- Feeling more productive at work – (30.85%).
- A dedicated workspace (30.45%).
- Maintaining better work-life boundaries – (30.20%)
- Access to better equipment (29.16%)
- Increased physical activity (25.65%).
- Working from home reduces distractions by 24.37%
- Preference for a social work environment – (22.29%)
The importance and use of daylight
The UK’s workers cite a desire to get out of the home as the top reason they work in the office. This is particularly important during winter, when the days are shorter. Neina Sheldon is the founder of Make Light Matter, a consultancy that provides training and advise on the health impacts of light.
Exposure to morning sunlight is one of the best ways to help your body adjust with the time and maintain good health. We may not get this healthy boost if we work from home.
Winter months in the UK can mean an early morning commute. To help themselves, employees can use bright light therapy or go outside during their lunch break. Employers can make a difference in their team’s health by encouraging and offering flexibility with start times or taking a break outside after sunrise.
Sunday Scares
A worrying proportion of office workers (more than two-fifths of them) express anxiety about the upcoming week at the weekend. Sally Evans, Managing Director at Making Moves comments:
It’s sad that so many workers in the office express anxiety over the weekend. We as employers must create an environment where our employees can relax. My best advice would be to show your team that a work-life balance doesn’t just matter, but is crucial. Encourage your team members to turn off notifications at the weekends and check in at the end the week to remind them that this is their time to relax. You will reap the benefits of creating a culture in which team members can and should relax without worrying about the week ahead. They are happier and more productive at work.
It’s interesting to note that this study shows positive effects of working in the office.
Methodology
Making Moves contracted Censuswide to carry out the research for its study. The study was conducted between 17/07/24 – 22/07/24 with 2,023 UK office workers who were full-time and aged 18+. Censuswide adheres to and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based upon the ESOMAR Principles and are members The British Polling Council.
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