Nearly two-thirds of fully remote employees in the UK are experiencing productivity anxiety, according to the latest findings from Workhuman’s Human Workplace Index.
The research highlights a growing concern among remote workers about their performance, with one in four grappling with constant or frequent feelings of inadequacy and pressure to perform.
The survey, commissioned by Workhuman and conducted by Pollfish, polled 1,000 full-time UK employees to explore workplace sentiment, productivity, and wellbeing.
It revealed that fully remote workers are 69 percent more likely to feel bored during work compared to their in-office counterparts. On the other hand, fully in-office workers report the least productivity anxiety and higher motivation levels.
Additionally, the survey noted that hybrid workers experience 31 percent less burnout than those working exclusively in-office.
Work-life balance is crucial
A significant 86 percent of respondents identified work-life balance as the most crucial aspect of workplace wellbeing. Furthermore, nearly 60 percent indicated that recognition for their work would be the most effective way to alleviate productivity anxiety.
“As work practices evolve beyond the traditional 9-to-5 office model, it’s understandable that employees may feel increasingly anxious about their performance and how it’s perceived,” said Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience at Workhuman. “Our research shows that remote workers are more anxious about their productivity compared to in-office workers. Employees are asking for clearer communication and acknowledgement of their contributions. Cultivating a culture of recognition can help mitigate negative experiences and enhance positive ones, especially for remote employees who may feel pressured to prove their productivity while working from home.”
The findings underscore the importance of addressing productivity paranoia and fostering a supportive work environment that prioritises recognition and work-life balance.
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.
