Study backs home work

Mar 18 2008 by Neil McKay, The Journal

WORKING from home reduces stress in employees but leads to them worrying about career progression, according to research by a North East think tank.

The study by the Durham University Business School showed that home workers worried about being out of sight, out of mind, therefore losing potential opportunities to move up the jobs ladder.

Despite these concerns the study also found that working from home generally had a positive effect on an employee’s work-life balance, giving them more time with family and leading to less stress and burnout. And 21st Century technology made home-working a realistic prospect for more office workers than ever before.

The researchers also said their findings should allay the concerns of employers who worry that working from home reduces their workers’ commitment to take on additional duties for the good of a company.

They expect their findings will prompt employers to explore greater opportunities to help office-based staff work from home and ensure they enjoy equal career prospects.

Tom Redman, Professor of Human Resource Management at Durham Business School, will present the research today at the British Institute of Facilities Management conference, at Keble College, Oxford.

His team studied the responses of 749 staff in managerial or professional positions in British-based industries such as consulting, media and financial services.

The research found a clear link between working from home and improved well-being, but also revealed worries that home working could harm career prospects.

Prof Redman said: “There were worries from those we surveyed about a lack of face-time in an organisation – simply because their face wasn’t there to be seen.

“It seems, at least for managerial and professional employees in knowledge-based industries, that working from home is an antidote to the stresses of office-based working, but this may be at the expense of lower levels of support for career development.”

He added: “Employers were worried that staff who worked from home would not be as committed to those extra duties where employees go above and beyond the call of duty for their company.

“However, we found that working from home did not undermine this behaviour.”

Nick Dines, head of communication at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With advances in technology, home working is now a realistic option for many people.

“Where it is possible for companies to do so, managers should consider the option for their employees as part of a sensible, flexible working programme.”