Report Shows 55 Percent of Mobile Employees Work 10 Hours Extra Each Week

REDWOOD SHORES, CA – A new study by iPass, a provider of employee mobility services for businesses, showed that 75 percent of employees who work remotely and have flexible schedules work more hours than those with traditional schedules.

The report surveyed more than 3,100 employees at 1,100 companies. More than half of those surveyed, 55 percent, reported working at least 10 or more additional hours each week as a result of their more flexible schedules, and 12 percent were working 20 or more additional hours.

Other findings from the report include that 38 percent of mobile workers work before their commute, 25 percent work during their commute, 37 percent work during lunch, and 37 percent work at night, every day.

Despite working additional hours, 64 percent of employees who work remotely reported improved work/life balance. More than half surveyed said they felt more relaxed due to having flexible work hours.

“Even though mobile workers are putting in more hours, we are starting to see the pendulum swing back to the center on disconnecting, with 68 percent of mobile workers disengaging from technology occasionally to spend time with their families,” said Barbara Nelson, chief technology officer at iPass. “It appears that the mobile workforce is getting a better hold on their work-life balance.”

Other findings from the study include the following:

• 47 percent of mobile employees work from home daily, 99 percent at least occasionally. 
• 88 percent of mobile workers report working from the road, 84 percent from a coffee shop, and 77 percent outside using a city-mesh Wi-Fi at least on an occasional basis.
• 40 percent would like a more flexible work environment—even with 95 percent of employees stating that their employers currently either encourage or tolerate workshifting.
• If mobile employees do not get enough flexibility at work, 33 percent stated they would seek employment elsewhere, 57 percent would be less satisfied with their job, and 45 percent would feel less productive.
• During vacation 97 percent of mobile workers stay connected to technology (up from 93 percent in 2010). Nearly all (94 percent) did so at least partly for work.
• On vacation, 69 percent checked into work at least daily, while 93 percent checked in at least weekly. 41 percent checked in multiple times per day.
• 52 percent connected during vacation to make sure they didn’t fall behind on work, weren’t overwhelmed upon return to work, or to ensure completion of a work project.