Clocking in from the couch

Workplaces are getting more flexible, thanks to growing mobile technology, and surveys show that many employees would jump at the chance to work remotely. A 2012 survey by Wakefield Research for tech company Citrix found that workers would give up lunch breaks (32 percent), alcohol (25 percent) and coffee (20 percent) for the chance to work from home.

It’s no surprise that employees jump at the chance to work from the comfort of home, but not everyone is convinced that employees at home are as productive as employees in the office. A recent survey shows at-home employees admit to some pretty shocking behavior when on the clock. To help combat what some refer to as “shirking from home,” a wave of new computer tracking services and mobile applications help bosses keep tabs on employees working remotely or who have to be out and about as part of their daily work routine.

But even if at-home work doesn’t get you out from under your boss’ watchful eye, some research suggests employees are more productive in a more flexible work environment. Take a look at the growing work from home trend and find out what employees are really doing when they’re working from home.

Sources:
Flexible Working, Joined Up People, April 2012
What People Really Do When They're 'Working From Home,' Businessweek, June 2012
Why You May Need a Summer Office Break, Citrix Survey, June 2012

For a complete list of sources, please view the infographic.