Is Working from Home More Productive? Berto’s Not So Sure

Working from home can either be more productive than the office—or less so—depending on how well set up you are to deal with distractions. Remote working is leading to less printing overall as employees pivot to digital collaboration, but those that are still printing are also more likely to report increased productivity when working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research from Quocirca.

The survey results point to opportunities for print industry vendors and channel partners to focus on supporting the hybrid home/office environment by expanding MPS contracts to support the secure printing requirements of remote employees.

Key findings include:

• 77% of office workers based at home have access to a printer, though only 5% said their employer had provided them with one. 14% purchased a printer themselves as a result of switching to home working during COVID-19.
• 52% are printing less than they did in the office. This includes 24% that are not printing at all. However, 28% say the amount they print has increased significantly. This is more likely amongst those that were regularly printing in the office.
• 75% of new home workers report that productivity has increased (41%) or stayed the same (34%). Among those who report higher levels of productivity, 64% state they are printing more, against 30% who say they are printing less or not at all
• 41% of those that have reduced printing say they need fewer printed documents now there are no face-to-face meetings or physical signatures. 30% find digital options easier to use.

Cartoon #85 Is Working from Home More Productive? Berto’s Not So Sure