THE majority of people currently working from home say they prefer it to the office environment - and they want more of the same even after lockdown.
They also insist their remote set-up not only provides a better work/life balance, but that they are more productive.
The findings follow research by Coleraine-based insurer MCL InsureTech, whose own 130 employees, ordinarily office-based, are now operating from home.
The survey found that 76 per cent were very satisfied or satisfied with the current remote arrangement, and two thirds were confident they could continue to work from home efficiently. And 85 per cent said they were equally, if not more, productive.
Cutting out the daily commute, making savings on personal spend and a better home/life balance were the most appealing elements of a work from home set-up for MCL employees,and a fifth said they would choose to permanently operate from home for the entire working week.
But among the down-sides were social isolation (48 per cent) and communication with co-workers (38 per cent).
Gary McClarty, managing director of MCL InsureTech, which does £59m of business and has 90,000 customers in Ireland, said the research would shape how the company works in the future.
“I was surprised by some of the findings. I always believed the social aspect of home working would be a challenge, but this is offset with a better work life balance, healthier lifestyle and avoiding the dreaded morning and evening commute.
“I do believe this is a game changer. The future model will be about flexibility and it will be a win/win for all parties. Businesses will save on accommodation costs and benefit from a healthier, happier and more productive workforce.”
