42 per cent of home office workers say that the lack of appropriate technology or equipment has affected their productivity. 45 per cent are not satisfied with their employer's support when working from home
New research from Epson shows that a number of issues have affected the productivity of home office workers throughout the pandemic. Over 40 per cent blame a lack of suitable equipment or technology.
Almost two-thirds (60 per cent) say a lack of interaction with colleagues affected their productivity. Other reasons for impairment included the inability to complete certain tasks (45 per cent) and the general working conditions in the home office (44 per cent).
Fortunately, things have since improved since the initial lockdowns. Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) said they have made their workplace more work-friendly over time. However, 45 per cent say their motivation will decrease if home office work continues and there are no changes. The same proportion (45 per cent) say they are not satisfied with their employer's support for home office working.
Deborah Hawkins, Director of Keypoint Intelligence's Office Group, says of the research: "There is a clear link between inadequate technical equipment and productivity when working in a home office. Good office equipment helps, but if it's not available, productivity is affected."
Perhaps this is precisely why many employees are demanding more from their employers. In fact, 38 per cent say they need a new or improved chair, 35 per cent want a better monitor and more than a quarter (26 per cent) say they need a new printer. Of those, 37 per cent say they prefer ink over toner devices.
Home office workers continue to have high expectations of their employers. In fact, 91 per cent say they want close and environmentally friendly technology from their employer.
Epson printing solutions may improve employee productivity. Epson EcoTank printers use heat-free technology to keep energy costs low. They also have enough ink on delivery to print up to 14,000 1 pages. This saves money and time by eliminating frequent cartridge changes. Set-up and connection is simple, refilling is clean and the device works reliably. Users benefit from high print quality page after page.
"Home office is the new norm of working for many across Europe and is likely to continue after the local lockdowns and the COVID crisis. But the shine of the new has already faded and motivation will decline in the long term if companies don't invest," says Jörn von Ahlen, Head of Marketing at Epson Deutschland GmbH.
"It is therefore important that employers listen to their employees and take measures to improve the working conditions in the home office wherever possible. In doing so, the best tools for the job should be considered and made available for use in the home environment. Technology must be fit for purpose, energy efficient and cost effective. Businesses cannot rely solely on devices purchased privately by their employees as a long-term solution if they expect to retain a motivated and productive workforce."
Regardless of the lifting of restrictions, more people are likely to work from home offices in the future. It is estimated that by the end of 2021, around 25-30 per cent of the workforce will work from home several days a week. [i] The home office will need to evolve if this trend is to have a positive long-term impact.
Other findings
34% of respondents turned off their microphones and cameras during an online meeting to do something else, such as go to the bathroom
26% took calls in their underwear or nightwear
27% spent the whole day in nightclothes without changing clothes
64% had important tasks or calls interrupted by the doorbell ringing
40% found their children a distraction
6% of respondents worked in the car
8% of respondents have worked sitting on the floor
This survey was initiated by Epson. A total of 1,000 owners of Epson printers in 11 countries (Italy, UK, Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark) who work in a home office were surveyed for this purpose in January and February 2021.
www.epson.de
