With the world in lockdown, Procurify conducted a randomized survey of 600 people in April 2020 to gather some important remote work statistics. We wanted to assess how COVID-19 is impacting their life. The results paint a mixed picture – with employees enjoying newfound flexibility and contending with newfound stresses.
Procurify Survey Results: Remote Work Statistics 2020
What we learned?
The most obvious impact for most people is a change of venue. Although working from home every day is a seismic shift for the majority, 32 percent of respondents reported that they had not ever had the opportunity to work from home prior to COVID-19. It stands to reason that a much higher percentage of the workforce will remain at home even after the pandemic has passed. Of course, the transition has not been seamless. 46 percent of respondents report that they are having a hard time focusing.
76 percent of people enjoy working from home, but employers could be doing more to help create a productive environment for their teams. 69 percent of companies have offered no additional perks to ease the transition of working from home. And 47 percent have not offered to cover the cost of supplies their team members need. At a time when money is top of mind for the global workforce, 41 percent believe they won’t be reimbursed for expenses promptly while working from home.
Wish lists
That’s not to say that employees don’t have wish lists for their home offices, however. When asked what supplies would make the most significant improvement to their home office, respondents prioritized their home office upgrades as follows:
A sit/stand desk 18.00%
An ergonomic chair 15.67%
A new computer monitor 14.67%
Headphones 11.50%
A printer 9.67%
A laptop stand 9.00%
A wireless keyboard and mouse 7.00%
A Keurig coffee maker 6.00%
A yoga mat and ball 4.67%
A high-end water bottle 2.00%
One respondent humorously quipped that wine would be their first home office purchase – a relatable sentiment for many.
The takeaway? Although budgets are tight, businesses should help their teams create a comfortable and effective environment for their workforce. Whether that means granting a limited budget for the essentials, or sending new ergonomic chairs to the whole team. This is a decision each company will make on its own. But the data is clear: employees are in need of additional support.
That’s why Procurify (along with its official mascot, Dash the Sloth) has decided to launch the #BoostYourWorkspace contest to bring a little joy into people’s lives by helping them transition into a comfortable new work setting.
From April 20 to April 24, Procurify will be award home office upgrades to those who are stuck at home. Daily winners will receive prizes from their wish list ranging from $150 & $400 in value and one grand prize winner will receive a workspace makeover worth $2,500 and an interior design consultation.
For every entry received, Procurify will also donate $10 to Conquer COVID-19, a charity bringing protective gear to those working on the frontlines of the pandemic.
Enter the contest here. Good luck!