Written evidence: Home-Based Working Trends Post-Pandemic – Dr Steven Pickering, Dr Martin Ejnar Hansen, and Prof Yosuke Sunaharai

A team of researchers led by Dr Steven Pickering, Dr Martin Ejnar Hansen, and Prof Yosuke Sunaharai has submitted compelling evidence to the UK Parliament's Home-Based Working Committee, revealing the lasting impact of COVID-19 on remote work practices in England and Japan. Based on 16 months of surveys conducted from September 2022 to December 2023, encompassing over 30,000 observations across both countries, the research presents a comprehensive picture of how working patterns have evolved since the pandemic.

Key Findings:

• In England, 41% of respondents report working from home more than before the pandemic (29% much more, 12% a bit more)
• Administrative and professional workers saw a 50% increase in remote work, while manual workers experienced a more modest 20% increase
• London leads regional adoption with nearly 50% of respondents working more from home
• Higher-income workers (earning over £40,000) are three times more likely to work remotely than those earning under £20,000
• England has experienced nearly double the increase in remote working (41%) compared to Japan (21%)
• The research identifies employer encouragement (44%) and reduced commuting costs (41%) as the primary drivers of increased remote work in England. Other factors include relocation away from workplaces (13%), ongoing COVID-19 concerns (14%), and childcare responsibilities (9%).
• The evidence highlights important correlations between remote work and health status. Those reporting very good physical health are significantly more likely to work from home (45%) compared to those in very poor physical health (27%). However, mental health findings reveal more complex patterns, with remote work potentially benefiting some individuals while potentially reinforcing isolation for others.

Policy Recommendations

• Address inequalities in remote work access across income levels and job types
• Develop targeted mental health support for remote workers
• Ensure nationwide access to reliable internet infrastructure
• Establish health, safety, and data security standards for home-based work
• Learn from international experiences and best practices
• Conduct further research on long-term impacts on productivity and economic growth
• More: Home-based Working Inquiry: Written Evidence