Are Remote Workers Actually Working?
When it comes to answering the question “Are remote workers actually working?” it’s easy to hear some skepticism behind the text. “Working from home” often comes with its own set of air quotes, like it’s code for “hanging out” or “watching Netflix.” But is that skepticism deserved? Or are remote workers getting a bad rap?
A user on Blind asked, “How many real hours of work do you put in each day?”
Key Learnings:
- 31% of professionals say they work 3-4 hours a day
- 43% of eBay professionals say they work 3-4 hours a day
- 27% of professionals say they work 5-6 hours a day
- 50% of Airbnb professionals say they work 5-6 hours a day
- 15% of professionals say they work 7-8 hours a day
- 27% of ByteDance professionals say they work 7-8 hours a day
- 30% of Zoox professionals say they work 9-10 hours a day
- 11% of professionals say they work 1-2 hours a day
- 25% of Capital One professionals say they work 1-2 hours a day
You can access the raw data here.
A professional at Amazon shared “Although some times I take a nap from 2-4pm (usually no lunch break) or take the dogs out and a 2 hr dinner break. Pretty much work 930am to midnight.”
A different professional at Amazon shared “Last year, went through a period of 12-14 hours days. 65-70 hours weeks. Week in, week out. Burn out ? set in. And absolutely no payoff – no recognition, no promos, no real benefit to me. Just misery. I took ownership of this and now I only work 44-48 hours weeks. I’m more focused, more productive, and happier.”
A third Amazon professional commented “Amazon requires at least 10 hours a day, with exceptions and maybe less work on Fridays or more work on weekends. I’m working way more during Covid-19, calendar’s full back to back, leadership is asking for more.”
A professional at Facebook commented “If meetings count then 9-10. If they do not…<1”
While they are working remotely, the majority of these employees are also taking care of a few personal errands, whether it be picking the kids up from school in the afternoon or taking the dog for a walk around midday.
The data shows that while they are working remotely, the majority of these employees are also taking care of a few personal errands, whether it be picking the kids up from school in the afternoon or taking the dog for a walk around midday.