Zagreb, January 24, 2024 - A recent article published by the Croatian business media outlet Poslovni dnevnik shared insights from Mplus's study on the changing dynamics of remote work.
As the article highlighted, in the early days of 2020, the global pandemic not only brought health-related challenges but also ushered in new operational norms in the business world. Remote work became a vital component of the "new normal." Offices emptied overnight, and business interactions shifted to a virtual space, prompting widespread adaptation to online meeting applications.
Four years later, remote work has proven to be more than just a passing trend. Technological giants like X, Google, Meta, Zoom, as well as the banking sector, spearheaded the revolution by embracing remote and hybrid work models. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic's end, discussions about the ideal work setting persist, with influential corporate actors adopting contrasting approaches.
While some insist on a wide-scale return to offices, citing the limitations of ensuring equal opportunities for remote work, others take a more flexible stance, allowing employees with suitable roles to apply for remote work approval. The debate over productivity emerged as a central argument for the return to the office.
A pioneering Mplus study
However, the latest scientific insights challenge the assumption that office work aligns with the majority's preferences. The shift brought to light by Mplus's study involving 4554 employees across seven countries showcased increased employee satisfaction and improved work-life balance among those opting for remote work.
The research, published in the renowned Frontiers in Psychology scientific journal, revealed that in the pre-pandemic era, only 27% of Mplus employees embraced remote work, favoring traditional office settings.
However, the pandemic triggered a significant transformation, with 78% of employees favoring continuing remote work, citing higher satisfaction and work-life balance compared to office-based work.
As the remote work debate continues, Poslovni dnevnik emphasized the Mplus study's valuable insights for employers navigating this evolving landscape.
To access the full article in Croatian published at Poslovni dnevnik, please visit the following link.
