A growing number of professionals work remotely for various reasons, yet some managers remain skeptical. A comprehensive study, "The Changing World of Work," commissioned by Polycom and conducted by Monar across 12 countries with 25,000 employees—including 2,300 in France—paints a different picture. Remarkably, 98% of participants (61% in France) reported higher productivity when working away from the office. They attribute this to selecting environments that maximize their effectiveness. In France, 68% favor home offices, while 16% opt for coworking spaces, prioritizing areas for deep concentration (31%) or creative flow (16%).
The research also highlights how remote work fosters stronger team spirit and colleague relationships. An impressive 92% of remote workers said they know their teammates better than ever. Researchers link this to global business demands, with 78% of employees regularly connecting via phone and videoconferencing with colleagues worldwide. "It's a common myth that remote workers are isolated from their teams," notes Jeanne Meinster of Future Workplace in an interview with Zevillage. "On the contrary, this study shows they're more sociable, thanks to modern tools that promote frequent live interactions and enduring bonds—a rarely discussed upside of telecommuting."
That said, challenges persist: 62% of respondents (68% among millennials) worry managers question their dedication and output when away from the office. With evidence like this, perceptions may soon shift.
