Research: Remote work can boost productivity—and stress

A new study finds that virtual employees have less work-life balance than their office-bound counterparts, despite enjoying many other benefits.

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If you had access to a genie who granted career-based wishes, you might be tempted to use one on “never working from an office ever again.”

Before you go rubbing any lamps, you might want to review this research from Airtasker, which gleaned insights from more than 500 remote workers.

First, the good news. Respondents verify that it’s wonderful not having a commute. Saving more than $4,500 a year on gas is nice, too.

Airtasker’s remote work respondents also report exercising more during the week, squandering less time and taking fewer sick days than their office-bound colleagues. Virtual employees, on average, work 1.4 more days a month than traditional workers, the study finds.

How do remote workers stay so focused and productive, you ask? Thirty-seven percent say “taking breaks” is the key, and 23% recommend “waking up early.”

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