Survey Shows that Home Office Has Become a Basic Expectation

According to a survey by Erste Bank, almost two thirds of Hungarian employees say that working from home is a basic requirement in areas where it is possible, writes Világgazdaság.

In a statement on Wednesday, the bank’s HR manager, Krisztina Mihók, underlined that there was a demand for greater flexibility from employees even before the COVID pandemic, a demand that was reinforced by the pandemic.

The survey also showed that home office, which was experienced during the outbreak of COVID and is available at many workplaces, has been welcomed by the majority.

92 percent of those who completed the Erste questionnaire stressed that they could work from home at their current workplace,

and a further five percent said that they think it would be possible to work from home, but their employer does not allow it. Among those who have or feel it would be possible to work from home, 61 percent of respondents noted that allowing it was a basic requirement, while 32 percent said it was very important. Among those living in Budapest, 94 percent of respondents selected the above two options, compared to 92 percent in rural areas.

However, statistically, it seems more significant that 65 percent of those under 36 years old consider it essential to have a home office, compared to 59 percent of older people.

If remote working is allowed, 33 percent can work from home full-time, followed by the possibility of a three-day home office at 26 percent, while 16 percent said they can work from home four days a week, compared to 15 percent who can only work two days a week, and six percent who can only work from home one day a week.

However, only 62 percent of workers have complete freedom to decide when to work from home. For 30 percent of respondents, the employer partly determines when they can work from home (for example, they have to go to the office on Mondays), while 5 percent have no choice at all about which days they can work from home.

In their research, Erste conducted a social listening analysis of conversations about working from home, revealing that employees like the flexibility and savings opportunities of the home office.

As not only does the cost of commuting stay in workers’ pockets, but also their clothing, for example, is worn out more slowly.

Many people report that they can work more efficiently from home because of fewer distractions. However, opinions are divided on whether full remote working is ideal or whether commuting days are needed. The advantage of working from the office a few days a week is that it gives you time to talk to colleagues, helping to build and maintain good relations within the team.

Mihók concluded with the thought that the bank has not seen a drop in work efficiency in the years since the home office opportunity was introduced.

Via Világgazdaság; Featured image via Pexels