What are remote and hybrid workers really up to during their work hours?

It seems like they’re winning the productivity game, boasting about how they can focus without pesky colleagues disrupting them or wasting hours on tiresome commutes. However, recent research paints an incredibly different picture. Spoiler: It’s not all spreadsheets and strategy meetings!

A new survey has unearthed some fascinating insights into the daily habits of remote workers. According to a SurveyMonkey poll conducted with 3,117 full-time employees in the U.S., while office-based employees often indulge in light distractions like messaging friends or scrolling through TikTok, remote workers are also seizing the opportunity to tackle personal chores under the guise of “working.”

An astounding 50% of remote workers admitted to multitasking during work calls, blending professional obligations with personal responsibilities by tackling chores such as unloading the dishwasher or doing laundry. Additionally, a third of remote employees exploit their flexible schedules to run errands, from grocery shopping to picking up dry cleaning.

And if you think that sleeping on the job is an exaggeration—think again! A whopping 20% of remote workers confessed to sneaking in a nap during their workday. Moreover, about 17% reported working from alternate locations without informing anyone or indulging in leisure activities like watching TV or playing video games.

The multitasking trend doesn’t stop there. Almost a third of respondents highlighted their bathroom breaks coinciding with Zoom calls, while 21% admitted to browsing social media, 14% embarking on online shopping sprees, and 12% opting to do laundry. Surprisingly, 4% even confessed to dozing off during a call, and 3% took showers mid-meeting!

Wendy Smith, a senior manager of research science at SurveyMonkey, states, “Employees are crafting their own set of rules to handle the immense pressures of modern work environments. Our findings reveal that what could be considered ‘off-the-books behavior’ is actually very common.”

This playful approach to productivity isn't limited to entry-level workers. In fact, over 50% of managers and 49% of executives admitted to multitasking on work-related calls as well. Interestingly, the statistics showed that managers and executives were more likely to shop online than lower-level contributors, with 16% of managers and 14% of executives engaging in retail therapy compared to 12% of their subordinate counterparts.

But there are generational differences worth noting. Millennials and Gen Z workers tend to prioritize work-life balance, often leaning on multitasking as a method to navigate their demanding roles. In contrast, older generations generally adhere more closely to traditional work practices.

From napping to running errands, it's clear that remote work offers a unique blend of productivity and personal freedom. As this trend continues to evolve, businesses may need to rethink their approach to remote work policies.

Could this newfound freedom lead to an uprising in workplace productivity, or are we simply creating a culture of distraction? One thing's for sure: remote work is far more complex than it seems! Stay tuned for more shocking revelations about the modern workforce!