A new study shows that broadband has contributed to change in home and work life preferences. A survey of 2000 British households demonstrates the far-reaching influence of the pandemic and lockdown on people’s view of how to work. The key takeaway is that remote work is likely to dominate British work culture. Underpinning all this is the increasing availability and reliance on broadband connectivity.
A Remote Work Nation In Waiting
With only a tenth of British workers preferring a return to the office, the stage is set for a significant shift towards working from home - and there is no going back.
At the same time, we have to acknowledge that the possibility for remote work is largely going to vary from one sector to another. However, that doesn’t take away from the work culture changes that the UK will undergo.
The preference for remote work will be keenly felt in the job market. This will be especially the case for companies who want to bring in top candidates. Britons looking for new jobs will likely look at a company’s remote work policies as part of the benefits or perks package a workplace offers.
Broadband Reliability At The Forefront
With almost half of people displaying a strong affinity for remote work, our attention turns to broadband connectivity and digital tools for the workspace. Ultimately, how reliable one’s internet connection is what will determine the British public’s long term appetite for working from home.
According to (probably the same) half of people, WiFi performance needs to essentially be fail-safe. What this shows is that Britons are very much conscious of their broadband service and are much less likely to put up with substandard support. This is backed up by the fact that almost just as many people are willing to switch broadband company if it results in a better internet connection.
What isn’t at all surprising is that half of the UK considers broadband as constituting a core part of their well-being at home.
Another number that jumps out from the study is how complaints about broadband greatly depend on what type of accommodation people are in. Let’s take a look:
- 54% of complaints from people living in houses
- 21% from people living in traditional or conversion flats
- 19% from build-for-sale flats
- 6% from build-for-rent flats
Here at Techxpert, we wonder if because younger people, who are more tech savvy, tend to live in rented flats are less likely to initiate broadband complaints.
Another eye-opening statistic, which goes hand in hand with the complaints break down, is that more than a tenth of people have put money towards improving the internet quality in the home.
Broadband Rules The Nation
The UK is now irrevocably connected and online, with the majority of Britons naming their streaming TVs and games consoles as items they cannot do without.
It’s true that older people are more reliant on TV to make them feel connected, while younger generations prefer the interactive experiences that online games afford them. Either way, all generations have a fundamental need for a good broadband connection.
It’s no wonder that 21st Century Britain is changing its attitudes towards office work and the move towards remote work. With this in mind, let’s take a look at how this might change how and where we live.
These are the key predictions the study makes regarding future home and work life in the UK:
- Preference for remote work will continue to increase
- More people moving to the countryside
- Concierge services will become more integrated to help households manage their bills and interact with repair and property services
- Lighting, acoustics, ventilation and insulation upgrades crucial to making the home a workplace
What this means for the broadband industry is that Britons are going to be expecting more from their broadband service. The onus is now on Ofcom and broadband companies to move bravely into the future - British broadband customers demand it.