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Teleworkers more productive and loyal

2023-03-06 

A research review from University of Gävle shows a link between teleworking and better productivity.
“Teleworking can be positive for both productivity and employee performance,” says Gunnar Bergström, professor in occupational health science.

Distansarbetare

Foto: TT

The research team looked at all research studies in the field published in English from 2000 to 2021 and found 43 scientific articles that analysed the relationship between teleworking and productivity. Most studies found that teleworking contributed to better productivity, with no negative effects on quality or such factors.

In a recent study that includes over 500 European business leaders, most of them say teleworking is more productive. Similarly, a new Sifo survey shows that one in two office workers get more done when working remotely.

What the employees themselves say

The studies focused on the views of employees and managers showed a clear pattern: those who had voluntarily chosen teleworking themselves experienced increased efficiency or productivity. The opportunity to choose also had a significant impact on the willingness to stay employed in the organisation.

“The opportunity to choose teleworking is just as important as actual teleworking for the employee’s willingness to stay,” Gunnar Bergström says.

”One size does not fit all”

However, some studies found that teleworking led to poorer performance.

Closer analysis revealed a pattern of more positive results regarding companies in the same industry, or staff in the same profession with specific job tasks, (e.g. number of phone calls answered) than in comparisons between different types of organisations which relied on more general ways of measuring job performance (for example individuals’ general performance).

“Although teleworking is not a simple panacea, for example in terms of leadership and health and safety management, we claim that when used correctly, it can potentially contribute positively to both productivity and employee performance," Gunnar Bergström says.

Scientific article


Text: Douglas Öhrbom

Contact

Gunnar Bergström, professor in occupational health science at University of Gävle
Phone: 073-622 58 60
E-mail: Gunnar.Bergstrom@hig.se

Marina Heiden, professor in occupational health science at University of Gävle
Phone: 070-439 07 53
E-mail: Marina.Heiden@hig.se

Published by: Douglas Öhrbom Page responsible: Anders Munck Updated: 2023-03-06
Högskolan i Gävle
www.hig.se
Box 801 76 GÄVLE
026-64 85 00 (växel)