The close-to-home seems to be the wellbeing zone for marketing professionals. Working near to where you live, as opposed to setting aside space to work at home, is recognised by UK marketing employees, as delivering the greatest wellbeing benefits to workers according to a new study by Regus.

73% of marketing professionals in the UK, believe that working closer to home improves health. Further analysis of the figures reveals some of the reasons why, with 72% of respondents believing working closer to home means more employees are likely to hit the gym. Similarly, 83% of marketing employees felt that working from home enables workers to spend more time on outside interests and hobbies.

The temptation when offered the flexible work option may be to set-up at home. But feedback from UK marketing employees suggests this scenario is not as advantageous when it comes to personal wellbeing.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments:

“People sometimes equate flexible working with working from home but the home environment can introduce many unforeseen challenges to the working day. The routine of home life can interrupt business tasks and, for many, a lack of suitable space may result in a compromise when it comes to ergonomics and positioning correctly to enable a productive day’s work. Our survey also highlights the issue of isolation and loneliness”.

“Conversely, drop-in, flexible workspaces that are situated close to home are recognised as beneficial to worker health and happiness. These spaces are typically professionally designed to couple productive working areas with break-out zones and areas for sharing ideas and inspiration. Professionals using this space are able to remain motivated and productive whilst avoiding the expensive and draining commutes that continue to affect so many business people.”

“Business decision makers are rapidly losing faith with the notion of the fixed-desk, fixed-hours approach that has dominated working life for decades. Now, the conversation is moving to how to provide the best environment for workers, so that they in turn might provide their best work for you.”

Interesting links:

• Employee Engagement Increases With Clear Expectations From Bosses
• 7 Tips for Keeping the Team Motivated
• 8 Ways to Increase Employee Engagement

Almost one third of professionals worry about the effects of excessive snacking when working from home

The UK has been dubbed the ‘fat man of Europe’ and it seems working from home could be contributing to our expanding waistlines.

Almost a third (30%) of the UK’s marketing professionals say that they fear getting fat due to the temptation to snack more when working from home compared to working in an office environment.

The research by global workplace provider Regus canvassed the opinions of more than 4,000 business people across the UK. The findings suggest that the solitude associated with working at home, coupled with ready accessibility to fridge, cupboard and larder, leads to more munching during the 9-5.

Remote working is on the rise

43% of marketing professionals are now based outside of their main office for more than half the week. However, there are clear distinctions between working from home and working remotely from a flexible, professional workspace.

Richard Morris, Regus UK CEO, comments: “Remote working has become something of a catch-all term. But working from home is different to working from a purpose-built, flexible workspace.

“The temptation to snack is just one of several distractions that can affect home-workers. Often, they are jostling for space with other members of the family, or called upon to assist with errands during working hours.“

“Alternatively, flexible workspace provides workers with convenience in terms of location but also offers an environment that is immediately professional and geared towards productivity. Now, it seems that there are health benefits too.

“Working from home makes it easy to reach for a doughnut whilst still in your pyjamas. This look is not so popular in a workspace surrounded by professional peers!”

Interesting links:

• Britain: ‘the fat man of Europe’
• Remote working: How your team can work from home effectively in the UK
• 5 reasons why remote working is a winner in Hong Kong