The once-celebrated shift to remote work, hailed as a transformative change in workplace culture, is now facing growing scrutiny.
A recent study by CMAC Group, a leading provider of ground transportation and accommodation solutions, reveals that many UK workers are encountering significant challenges as remote work becomes an enduring part of their daily routine.
Rising Challenges of Remote Work
The study, which surveyed 1,000 UK adults, found that a substantial number of employees are grappling with unforeseen difficulties associated with working from home. Distractions at home emerged as a major issue, with 33.74 percent of respondents identifying it as a primary obstacle. Additionally, 21.15 percent reported struggling to access necessary resources, and 21.90 percent cited communication challenges with colleagues as a significant concern.
In light of these challenges, in-person meetings have gained renewed importance. The survey found that 55.40 percent of participants believe face-to-face meetings are more effective than virtual ones, with 24.90% deeming them much more effective. Respondents also highlighted the benefits of in-person meetings for improving communication (21.75%), increasing engagement (23.99%), enhancing decision-making (13.43%), and reading body language (22.20%).
The mental health impact of remote work was also a concern for some, with 20.33 percent of respondents reporting feelings of isolation. A notable 73.10 percent stated they feel more connected when working in an office environment compared to working remotely.
Peter Slater, CEO of CMAC Group, commented on the findings: “These insights clearly show that while remote work offers flexibility, the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions cannot be ignored. Business travel not only enhances communication and decision-making but also creates trust, strengthens relationships, and fosters a strong sense of connection among colleagues.”
Balancing Remote Work with Business Objectives
The study also delved into how remote work impacts overall company performance, revealing mixed opinions. While 46.90 percent of respondents believe remote work improves performance, 20.40 percent feel it worsens it, citing issues such as unclear communication and a lack of human interaction and relationship-building.
Meeting clients in person was identified as a clear advantage for business outcomes, with 81.90% of respondents agreeing that it has a positive impact and 69.40 percent stating that it strengthens client relationships. Also, 15.58 percent viewed in-person meetings as essential networking opportunities for both personal and business growth.
Face-to-face interactions were also deemed crucial for career advancement, with 61.80 percent of respondents rating them as either very important or important for their professional progression.
Slater emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance between remote work and business travel: “The data shows that business travel is still something companies should be investing in, not just for the growth and success of their business but for the development of their employees as well. Balancing remote work with strategic business travel is key to building and maintaining relationships, increasing effective communication, and driving overall results.”
The findings suggest that while remote work offers flexibility, maintaining a physical presence in the workplace through events, meetings, and business travel remains essential for team cohesion, employee morale, and overall business success.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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