Remote workers hopeful activities at home continue when they return to office

With remote work being a norm for remote workers who were able during the COVID-19 pandemic, many enjoyed some activities in the remote working environment.

A survey conducted by ADP Canada shows that respondents are hoping that some of the remote work lifestyle can continue when they return to the office.

Over 1,500 Canadians working full-time and part-time completed a survey between April 14 and 15, 2021. 

With both students and parents having to adjust to a virtual lifestyle, one of the top three priorities respondents hope can continue when they return to the office is spending more time with their families. 

62 per cent of remote workers hope to continue spending more time outdoors, while over half of remote workers hope to continue to prioritize exercise. 

29 per cent of remote Canadian workers would like to continue cooking and baking the way they have throughout the pandemic, and over 1-in-5 remote workers want to see virtual events continue. 

“It's encouraging to see how many Canadian workers have been spending more time with their families, exercising or getting outside throughout the pandemic,” said Ed Yuen, Vice-President Strategy and Business Development at ADP Canada.

“We hope that Canadians will continue to participate in these and other activities that they love post-pandemic, and that Canadian workplaces can find ways to support these positive habits.”

Respondents said that having a work-life balance was an important aspect that they'd like to see continue post-pandemic or when they return to the office. 

“While it is incredibly important for employees to be – and to feel – productive at work, it's also important to recognize that a healthy work-life mix plays an important role in productivity. As many workplaces look to return to the physical workplace on a part or full-time basis, it's important to consider how this could impact the activities that Canadians may have been able to enjoy while working remotely. Addressing the changing expectations of employees will help inform plans and develop solutions for how the workplace might operate post-pandemic,” said Yuen. 

In a previous “Jobs of the Future” story, we covered how office workers were still struggling to adjust to the remote working model. About 57 per cent of workers were saying how their mental well-being is much worse since the start of the pandemic, however, workers who were given the right training, proper tools, and technology found that there were great advantages to working from home. Many offices across the country could consider developing a hybrid work model where some continue remote work, and some split their time between the office and remote learning. 

“Whatever model an organization chooses to go with post-pandemic, it's important for employers to consider the personal lives of employees. Employers or leaders can help encourage a positive work-life mix by reminding employees to take vacation time, disconnect, spend time with family or go for walk, whenever their schedule permits,” said Yuen.