A recent study by the Office of National Statistics claims remote workers take an extra 24 minutes of rest, enjoy 15 more minutes of exercise, and work 10 fewer minutes compared to office peers. But what do these figures really tell us?
I’d love to see the full methodology behind this study:
- How were these figures calculated?
- Were these workers engaged with their employer?
- Did they feel satisfied with their roles and responsibilities?
- Did they have regular interactions with their leaders and teams?
- Even more importantly, where’s the correlation between hours worked and productivity?
Research consistently shows that micro-breaks, and even short naps, improve focus and output. Exercise and outdoor time are proven to boost both mental health and productivity. Why are these factors often overlooked in such studies?
Unfortunately, this feels like yet another narrative that frames remote workers as needing suspicion or stricter oversight—treating them like children rather than trusting professionals.
Instead of questioning remote workers’ time management, let’s focus on fostering engagement, autonomy, and well-being. A happy, trusted workforce is a productive one.
What are your thoughts? Is this study meaningful, or do we need a new perspective on remote work?
