Using digital technologies to work from home: the pros and cons
With the onset of the pandemic this spring, many working in office-based roles were thrust into homeworking, with little or no time to adjust or prepare.
To understand the experience of UK workers during the crisis, the CIPD set about interviewing almost 40 managers and workers via online discussions with YouGov. It wanted to find out if and how technology has supported the shift to working from home. The full results are contained within the CIPD's new report Workplace technology: the employee experience, but here are a few of the findings:
One important reflection is the ability of technology to support productive work. Throughout the crisis not all teams suffered a drop in productivity. For those working on projects, some time away from meetings has meant that they’ve been able to focus on the task at hand and use technology to connect with colleagues they wouldn’t usually collaborate with.
Online/virtual meetings differ from face-to-face meetings in a number of ways. Technology is connecting teams but changing the way they work together and collaborate.
Working from home has enabled some individuals to change their working practices for the better, but there were also reports of many working longer hours than they would in a typical office environment.
A work-life balance can be difficult for some homeworkers to manage during COVID-19. Some may find it difficult to step away from work, being tempted to check on emails or pick up work, particularly if they work part-time or flexibly.
While technology does appear to support homeworking, for example when internet connections are strong, the potential to compromise work-life balance is high.
For some, the COVID-19 crisis has meant that they are keen to reevaluate their working practices to incorporate working from home, but to retain regular office-based work as an option.
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that – when supported by technology – organisations can rapidly adapt their working practices to both maintain operations and support workers during a time of crisis.
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