Remote work credited

The American Time Use Survey has revealed that remote work and hybrid offices have saved Americans around 60 million hours of commute time alone each day over the past few months.

Today, more than 15 per cent of the United States (US) workforce works remotely with around 30 per cent working in hybrid offices, which they visit only once or twice a week.

Remote work has helped most workers attain a balance between work and social life, with the study finding many spend the bonus time on their physical well-being.

Some employees also use the extra time to look after children, seek better jobs and earn additional income. A large majority of teleworkers start their working hours earlier than scheduled, but they quickly move on to activities unrelated to their paid work.

Fewer total hours in paid employment

The Federal Reserve of New York, which oversaw the study’s data, commented that, “even though employees reported allocating 35 per cent of their saved commute time to work, they spent fewer total hours in paid employment”.  

Workers also have more time to spend alone or with loved ones. Free time spent alone or in the company of household members increased by 2.3 hours, the bank found.

“We see notable increases in leisure time and sleeping. The rise in leisure was particularly pronounced among younger Americans, who reported spending more time at social events, eating at restaurants or bars and exercising,” the researchers say.

“Older age groups, on the other hand, tended to allocate more time to nonmarket work, such as activities related to childcare, the maintenance of the household, repairs and meal preparation.”