Press release -
Teleworkers more productive and loyal
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.
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.
Text: Douglas Öhrbom
Photo Gunnar Bergström: Britt Mattsson
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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
Topics
- Business enterprise
Categories
- gävle university
- research
- occupational health
- working environment
Education and Research at a Scenic Campus.
The University of Gävle has approximately 17 000 students, more than 50 study programmes and second-cycle programmes, about 1 000 courses in humanities, social and natural sciences and technology.
Research Profiles
Built Environment and Health-promoting Working Life are the general research profiles of the higher education institution. Important parts included are Spatial Planning with a specialisation in Sustainable Built Environment and Musculoskeletal Disorders with the purpose to prevent work-related injuries. In 2010, the higher education institution received permission to carry out third-cycle programmes in the profile area of Built Environment.
The higher education institution has applied for permission to carry out third-cycle programmes in technology, humanities and social sciences.
