12 months on from the initial Government enforced lockdown that required workers, where possible, to operate remotely, new research from REHAU has found that ‘millions’ of professionals are still working from their original ‘makeshift home office’ set-ups.
The study, which polled over 2,000 adults working from home found that 61% still consider their remote working environment to be temporary, and use ironing boards, sofas and even their beds to carry out their roles.
Shockingly, three per cent of respondents noted that they were working from a walk-in wardrobe, whilst nine per cent have set up a makeshift office in the middle of their room.
And whilst these less-than-ideal set-ups are concerning for the physical wellbeing of employees, there are also damaging psychological effects; for example, three in ten stated that they have no natural light whilst working, with 65% stating that this affects productivity.
And natural light isn’t the only factor affecting health. A separate OnePoll study found that three in ten are experiencing discomfort from inadequate back support whilst working – also aiding in taking time away from being productive in the working day.
The research found that as a result of these conditions, British workers are feeling fatigued by 2pm each day, causing a slump in focus and energy.
However, a change does appear to be on the horizon for some. Four in ten now plan on finding a solution to their inability to work productively from home by improving their remote working set-up.
Of this demographic, one-fifth plan on moving their base of operations to a window-lit area, whilst 34% plan to redecorate the existing space they are in and 35% are finally relenting and buying a desk.
Whilst HR professionals may well advocate working from a proper desk, one worker recently hit headlines for sharing what she considered to be a remote working ‘hack’.
Speaking to the Daily Record, the Edinburgh-based charity worker said: “I was tired of working on the bed or on the floor. It just occurred to me. I thought, what can I use to make a desk that’s available in my house?”
She settled on using an ironing board. As well as being height-adjustable, the household appliance is said to be large enough to accommodate a laptop, notebook and phone.
After finishing work for the day, Mary said that she is able to quickly pack it away and reclaim the space – something she said is “very handy indeed”.
She added: “…it’s much better than spending time on a sofa or bed.”
