Chinese travel company Ctrip conducted an interesting survey. They discovered what those of us who work from home already know…we’re more productive than our corporate counterparts. In fact, we’re 13% more productive than cubicle dwellers.
Ctrip recruited 500 of its employees to participate in the study. Half of the group worked from home, while the other half stayed in the office. Part of the reason behind the study is that Ctrip is considering sending more of its workforce home because real estate is so expensive in Shanghai.
The study also showed that home workers are less at risk of health problems. Think about it…you’re not surrounded by sick co-workers who may accidentally sneeze on you or touch door handles right after they sneeze.
To learn more about the study on American Public Media’s Marketplace site, click here.
Do you agree with this study? Are you more productive when you work from home?
Wow, Lisa, this is the kind of study that makes my head spin…
I am not saying folks may or may not be more productive at home than working in an office- because, to be honest, it depends upon the individual AND the nature of the work.
Given the nature of CTrip and its agenda, I have no doubt that it is cheaper for CTrip to have folks work at home. They don’t pay for internet, phones, etc. (even with an allowance, residential fees are lower than commercial), or office space. And, travel arrangements is a solo-practitioner art.
And, CTrip also has an agenda to sell its employees on the benefits, too.
There have been studies done about federal workers and their productivity. Which is why the Feds have made satellite facilities available, where folks can work closer to home, in proximity to others (albeit from different agencies)- and their productivity is often the best.
RAAckerman @ Cerebrations.biz recently posted..The computer made me do it?
I understand what you mean about the basis (and bias) behind the survey, but other studies have shown that those who work from home are more productive. However, working from home isn’t for everyone and I know people who need to interact with others and give up working from home. The same things that keep corporate employees from being productive: noisy co-workers, boss looming over your shoulder and co-workers who have to socialize, are what some people miss when they work from home.
It’s good to know that the Feds are making it easier for people to work from home. It makes good social and economic sense.
Lisa recently posted..Want to Be More Productive? Start Working From Home
I agree with Roy, this is far too complex an issue to simply be decided by a survey. I love working at home and I am super productive..unless my boyfriend is also working from home that day. His flex hours work differently from mine and it’s such a struggle to stay on task. These are the days I wish I had an office to go to! lol
From what I have seen, a combination of working at home and getting ‘out there’ appears to be the best way to go. There are good and bad aspects to both working at home and working in the office and people and their managers need to be open and navigate what will work for them.
Bonnie recently posted..Avoidance is a Coping Skill
You’re right that friends and family can affect whether or not working from home works. A combo of working from home and working from a coffee shop, restaurant, etc., is a good way to make an at-home arrangement work.
When I think back to my corporate office days, I can’t believe how much time I wasted and others wasted for me. After working from home for so many years, it would be tough to go back to an outside office.
Lisa recently posted..Want to Be More Productive? Start Working From Home
I know I’m more productive working from home. The flex hours allow me to care for my family’s needs and still get the work done. I can still contribute to both society and home, and not feel the least bit guilty about having to work or leave home when I am needed here. I plan social outings when it’s convenient, and I haven’t missed the traffic troubles at all. It’s a win-win for me!