English-speaking countries lead WFH adoption, says report
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — English-speaking countries are taking the lead in adopting work-from-home (WFH) practices in their workplaces.
According to a study by WFH Research, full-time employees in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (U.S.) work from home on an average of 1.4 days weekly.
These countries outpace Asia, Europe, Latin America, and South Africa, averaging 0.7 to 0.9 days per week.
However, the report also points out a notable gap between employee preferences and employer policies. Employees globally would like two WFH days per week, while employers typically schedule only 1.1.
The largest gap is seen in Latin America and South Africa, with the smallest in English-speaking nations.
Employee sentiment on WFH, particularly among those with prior experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, shows a substantial 26% preferring a full-time home setup, while 56% advocate for a hybrid model.
This sharply contrasts with reality, where nearly half work on-site, 41% in a hybrid mode, and only 13% work from home.
On the upside, the benefits of WFH have been identified as eliminating commuting, saving on daily expenses, and offering flexible hours. Conversely, office work is favored for its socializing opportunities, collaboration efficiency, and distinct work-life boundaries.
WFH Research’s study data were drawn from their latest Global Survey of Working Arrangements (G-SWA), which covers full-time employees aged 20 to 64 across 34 countries.
