Hybrid workers now say the office is a welcome break from distractions at home
A study of 1,000 hybrid office workers found that 26% appreciate the change of scenery and 39% find it easier to collaborate with their colleagues when they're in the workplace
Hybrid workers are now seeing the workplace as a welcomed shift from home, with more than half admitting to sometimes yearning for the office atmosphere thanks to fewer distractions and more opportunity for socialising and collaboration.
In a study of 1,000 hybrid workers, 26% valued having a change of scenery while a notable 39% felt collaborating was simpler with colleagues around. Consequently, 44% said that being in the office boosted their productivity.
A fifth of those surveyed said that parental responsibilities frequently pulled them away from tasks, while pets caused a distraction for 27%.
Further findings from the poll revealed at-home work disturbances, including the interruption of deliveries or doorbell chimes (33%), and the lure of social media browsing (22%).
Nearly one in four found their partner's presence disruptive, too, especially when they would talk about non-work-related matters and would make unwanted noise around the kitchen.
Don't miss: Thousands of homeworkers could be owed £62 tax refund from HMRC
Don't miss: Barclays follows JP Morgan with office policy change set to affect thousands
Speaking for Access Self Storage, which provides adaptable office spaces across the country, a representative remarked: "This research shows there are lots of benefits to being in the office, especially if your home life is a bit more chaotic than you'd like."
They stated: "It's important to have a workspace that allows you to separate home life from work life in a friendly and productive environment. A place where you can focus and maintain a healthy balance between your personal and professional commitments."
A significant 66% confess they head into the office specifically to avoid these distractions at home. Furthermore, seven out of 10 believe being in an office environment, surrounded by other people to interact with, is beneficial for career progression.
When given the option, most people chose three days a week in the office as the ideal amount. Slightly fewer (18%) believed two days would be best, with a mere 4% willing to return five days a week.
Access Self Storage's spokesperson added: "For many, the office isn't just a place to work - it's a space to reset and refocus. Without the interruptions of home life employees can find it easier to get into a productive flow.
"Sometimes, a bit of separation between work and home life is exactly what's needed to strike the right balance."
