Working from home survey shows boost in productivity; Govt says otherwise

A recent survey conducted by the Public Service Association (PSA) indicates that working from home significantly improves productivity, even as new Government guidelines seek to limit flexible arrangements for civil servants.

About 2700 PSA members participated in the survey, which showed that 85 per cent of respondents work from home at least once a week, most working remotely two to three days each week.

The majority of respondents reported various benefits associated with remote work, including improved concentration (89 per cent), increased work output (85 per cent), and enhanced organisational performance (78 per cent).

Personal benefits were also highlighted, such as reduced stress (83 per cent), cost savings (82 per cent), and increased time with family (71 per cent).

Many respondents noted health benefits and flexibility in managing caregiving and personal responsibilities more effectively.

One respondent shared, “Working from home has enabled me to save significant commuting time, making room for both professional and personal commitments."

Over half of the survey participants said they worked from home to care for sick children or dependents, thus reducing the need for unplanned leave.

Vanessa Magaoa, a Māori Health Services Adviser at the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), explains how working from home has helped her maintain a healthier work-life balance.

“The flexibility to set my own schedule allows me to prioritise my workload based on when I’m most productive, which has led to more efficient task completion," she said.

Eighty-nine per cent of people who participated in the survey showed improved concentration when working from home. Photo/File

“Additionally, working from home has helped me maintain a healthier work-life balance, as I can easily include breaks, personal activities, and whānau time into my day.

“This flexibility not only enhances my overall well-being but also enables me to approach work with a clearer, more refreshed mindset, ultimately benefitting both my productivity and job tasks,” Magaoa said.

Challenges of remote work

While many respondents viewed working from home positively, some acknowledged facing challenges.

The survey revealed concerns about reduced social interaction (28 per cent) and professional interactions (19 per cent).

Furthermore, 31 per cent of respondents felt their employers were increasingly reluctant to allow remote work following the Government’s announcement in September.

Watch Auckland Council's Fotu Fili speaking with PMN Tuvalu's Fala Haulagi about her thoughts on the issue.

Some participants reported a rise in micromanagement and stricter office policies.

One participant commented, “Management has become more rigid, demanding justification for work-from-home days that were previously understood.”

Another stated, "We’ve been told that informal work-from-home arrangements are no longer allowed.”

Magaoa also spoke about her challenges.

“Managing potential distractions, such as household mahi and whānau, which at times can impact my focus.

“It can also be harder to separate work from personal life, leading to occasional difficulty in "switching off.

Working from home helped maintain a healthier work-life balance. Photo/File.

“Additionally, limited face-to-face interaction with colleagues can make communication and collaboration more challenging at times,” Magaoa shared.

Fleur Fitzsimons, Assistant Secretary for PSA Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi, expressed concern about the effects on worker wellbeing and public service efficiency.

“It’s particularly worrying that even before the new guidelines have been established, the survey shows one in three workers are saying their employer is already taking steps to restrict flexible working.

“We know morale has been impacted by job cuts - this will not help the public service do better," Fitzsimons said.

Advocacy for balance

The PSA has stressed the importance of flexibility in supporting workforce well-being and efficiency.

Work-From-Home (WFH), now a necessity for many corporate workers, has been an upgrade to the quality of life for some, but not for everyone or not all of the time. Photo/pacific workplaces

“Our members are saying loudly and clearly that flexible work makes a difference to their productivity, which is why it should be supported and not curtailed,” Fitzsimons said.

Concerns have arisen that Government directives may reverse remote and flexible working options.

“This is a government that talks repeatedly about improving outcomes and wants to make decisions based on evidence," Fitzsimons said.

“The survey is exactly that - it shows that flexible work practices are good for organisations and the outcomes the Government wants from the public service.

“We urge the Government to listen to this evidence and the considerable international research which shows that flexible work practices are now firmly established and make a difference to organisational culture and performance.”

She further criticised the Government's approach, describing it as out of touch and counterproductive to economic recovery efforts in Wellington.

“This attack on flexible work practices is just out of step with the times - as we said at the time, the Government is making working from home a scapegoat for the damage it is inflicting on Wellington’s economy from the axing of thousands of jobs.

“Forcing public service workers back into the capital an extra day or so a week to buy a cup of coffee or sandwich won’t be a cure for the ills the Government is visiting on the local economy," Fitzsimons said.

The November survey highlights strong support for flexible work, noting its positive effects on productivity, personal well-being, and organisational outcomes while also addressing concerns regarding increasing restrictions.