Workplace Planning Board Survey shows remote workers concerned about burn out

MEDIA RELEASE BRANTFORD – Remote workers who think of quitting their jobs are more likely to cite burnout as the No. 1 reason compared to non-remote workers, a recent survey suggests. With the support from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie surveyed about 260 employed workers, of whom 100, or 39%, said they worked remotely, either full time or part time.

Overall, remote workers were less likely to think of quitting their jobs than non-remote staff. But when asked for the reasons for thinking of quitting, one in five listed burnout/workload as the top reason, followed by pay and then a toxic work environment

By contrast, those who didn’t work remotely cited low pay as the No. 1 reason they thought of quitting, followed by poor management and then burnout/workload.

“The findings were somewhat surprising, since remote workers generally like the arrangement and enjoy the flexibility that working from home can provide,” said Danette Dalton, the board’s executive director. “The survey points to the complex, even mixed, experiences and attitudes of people working remotely.”

Remote employees are more likely than non-remote workers to receive certain benefits, such as being able to take a few hours off work to deal with personal matters, greater independence, and access to professional development.

Dalton added that a 2021 survey the organization conducted showed a majority of 54% of remote workers reported increased satisfaction with their work-life balance

“One of the main takeaways from the most recent survey is that remote workers need supports to prevent or reduce burnout. Working from home isn’t as easy or stress free as some people think.”

The survey also suggests there’s a need for additional management and leadership training, since the arrangement is new to many managers, she said.

The Workforce Planning Board has set up a webpage showcasing the results from the remote work survey, including a video and infographic: www.workforceplanningboard.org/remote-workstudy/

The organization is part of a network of workforce agencies who have launched an Ontario-wide, work from home job board, listing 2,200 positions: wwwworkforceplanningboard org/work-fromhome-jobs/

The Workforce Planning Board is one of 26 nonprofit organizations in Ontario that play a leadership role in labour force planning. This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.