The changing world of work
New technologies are making it easier than ever to create intercontinental workforces and put our businesses on the global map. Employees are looking to use this new connectivity to create a better work-life balance and to make their daily output more efficient.
Our latest survey shows how this change has already started, and reveals many of the ideas and motivations behind the flexible working revolution.
Remote working on the rise
54% 83%
54% of global respondents 83% of executives plan to already work remotely 2.5 increase their use of flexible days per week or more. employment in the coming years, meaning these numbers are set to rise.
The global context
Working mothers, ageing populations and young workers seeking flexibility are changing the nature of the global workforce.
6%
Returning mothers
13%
Older workers remaining beyond their pensionable age
19%
Outsourced suppliers
22%
Part-time workers
29%
Freelance workers
30%
Consultants
33%
Other
The role of technology
New Cloud technology, better Wi-Fi and modern communication tools mean we’re on call 24/7.
Messaging tools used in the previous month:
Whatsapp Skype Facebook Messenger WeChat Viber Snapchat LINE QQ MessageMe Tango ChatOn Hike Kakaotalk Nibuzz
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Online flexible working tools used in the last month:
Dropbox Google Drive Video conferencing Team Viewer WeTransfer Server cloud access Google Hangouts MS Remote Desktop Chrome remote desktop Virtual workgroups Apple remote desktop GoToMyPC LogMeIn Ignition Splashtop Wyse PocketCloud
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Relishing remote work
As these tech advances help employees take their work with them, they’re increasingly seeing the advantages of flexible workspaces.
Reasons global business people plan to work remotely in the coming year:
59% 56% 55% Be closer to Improve Improve travel clients and concentration schedule prospects
53% 51% 46% Improve Attend events Improve morale productivity and training sessions
46% 39% 38% Be closer to Be closer to Get away from my family members of noisy home my team
37% 34% 29% Get away from Because I am Be close to noisy office working overtime suppliers
Limitations of home working
Remote working can be challenging: 45% of global survey respondents say they find it hard to concentrate at home.
Top home working grievances globally:
49%
Family demanding attention
45%
Difficulty concentrating
40%
Family/pets disturbing phone calls
30%
Lack of office equipment
29%
Household noises
22%
Slow/unreliable internet
10%
Personal financial cost
The future
Working remotely is not synonymous with home working:
Just 36%
of telecommuters are based at home.
Business people working remotely 2.5 days a week or more:
China India Mexico South Africa France Japan Global average USA Brazil Germany Netherlands Australia Belgium Canada UK
30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65%
As companies move to more flexible working practices, their workspaces will become smaller, more numerous and more global.
Main drivers of flexible working in the coming year:
51% 44% 41% 38% 37%
Businesses wanting Working demanding Workers demanding Businesses wanting Businesses avoiding to save reduce to work close to home to work remotely to be more agile as fixed leases o ce costs they seek to grow
35% 35% 25% 24% 19%
Businesses Businesses Businesses hoping Businesses hoping Businesses wanting to scale wanting to be to improve sta to attract top sta expanding abroad sta numbers more reactive to retention more flexibly market changes
Workers get the freedom and productivity benefits of remote working without the downsides of being at home. All while companies boost their productivity, reach new markets and reduce overheads.