Contrary to what was believed before the pandemic and the increase in telecommuting, employees who work remotely feel more committed to their company than those who are in the office every day. These are the first findings of a vast survey by the Interuniversity Center for Research in Analysis of Organizations (CIRANO).
In the spring of 2022, CIRANO undertook a long study on the various facets of work. For a period of two years, CIRANO monitors the performance and job satisfaction of 10,000 employees of companies and organizations located in Quebec.
The researchers presented their first results on Wednesday during a webinar.
Since employees have taken a liking to remote working, companies and human resource specialists across the world have raised the specter of diminishing levels of employee engagement to refuse remote work.
This concern is not confirmed by the CIRANO study. Quite the contrary.
Employees who work remotely have a higher level of commitment to their work, a higher moral commitment to their employer, and feel a stronger sense of belonging to their organization than those who are always in the office.
“Our research project stands out,” explains Sylvie St-Onge, full professor at HEC Montréal. We take into account [le fait] that there is a diversity of hybrid ways of working within organizations. »
The researchers interviewed employees who are in the office every day, who work one day remotely, two days remotely, three or four days remotely, and 100% telework.
The study confirms that almost all teleworkers (over 90%) believe they work the same or more hours per day.
So far, the majority of respondents say they are satisfied with their work, but those who work remotely or in hybrid mode are even more so. Employees who have the option of working from home, all models combined, also have a better sense of efficiency and feel more productive in the comfort of their own home.
A personal perspective
“Those who work three days or more remotely feel they are more productive compared to the overall average. You’re going to see this trend a bit around three days and more,” remarked Ali Béjaoui, associate professor at the Université du Québec en Outaouais, during the presentation of the results, described as a portrait of employees in the summer of 2022. which could evolve over the next two questionnaires.
“Our questionnaire takes an individual perception, specifies Sylvie St-Onge. It is the perception of the employees. Executives who responded responded for them. We don’t have the organizational perspective and we don’t claim to have a societal perspective. »
However, since the purpose of the study is to provide conclusive data to help employers in their decision-making regarding the organization of work, the researcher points out that “it is with their perception that employees behave and decide to leave or [une entreprise de s’y joindre] “.
A majority of employees recognize the employer’s right to manage, since 68% of respondents agree or strongly agree that it is the employer who sets the number of days of remote work. Half of respondents (55%) believe they have flexibility in choosing remote working hours.
In terms of support from the organization, colleagues and the immediate supervisor, it is estimated to be weaker among employees who are always on the job.
The next questionnaire will be distributed to participants next March.
