Sandy keyboards? Brits embrace unconventional work spots from beaches, pubs and beyond
Almost half (46%) of British workers have logged on remotely outside the home or office in the past 12 months [1] with millions logging on from a pub (2.27m) or the beach (1.4m) [2]
Cafes and hotels topped the list of remote working locations[1]
Almost two-thirds (65%) take steps to conceal where they are working from, including virtual backgrounds and mimicking office sounds [3]
A reliable hotel internet connection is now more important than a great view, as Brits increasingly look to combine work and travel [4]
Experts at Uswitch.com provide tips and advice on how to stay connected and keep costs down while ‘working from anywhere’
Almost two-thirds (65%) of the 15 million Brits who venture outside the home or office to work are using sneaky tactics to conceal where they are logging on from, according to new research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service [5].
In addition to relatively conventional working locations, such as coffee shops and cafes (16%), the research uncovered that 2.2 million have clocked in from a beer garden (7%), 1.4 million while lounging on the beach (4%) and 1.2 million while getting pampered at the hairdresser or salon (4%)[2].
For millions, the days of working all day chained to a desk are a thing of the past, and Brits have been working on the go as they maximise their annual leave. For instance, 11% confessed to working from the back of cars, while 11% admitted to working from airports, train stations, or trains[1].
Advances in mobile technology and network speeds mean employees now can whip out a laptop and get online from pretty much anywhere - whether or not they have permission from the boss.
The most popular places for logging on outside the office or home include[1]:
Coffee shops or cafes
Hotel or holiday apartment
Airports, train stations or trains
Cars
Libraries or bookstores
Parks
Pub or bar
Beach or pool
Hairdresser or salon
Campsite or while camping
In order to avoid getting caught, almost one-fifth (19%) of remote workers said they had used a virtual or blurred background while on video calls. One-in-ten even admitted that they have mimicked office noises, such as the sound of tapping keyboards to fool their colleagues[3].
With over three-quarters of organisations now embracing hybrid working [6], considerations around reliable connectivity are more important than ever. So much so, people aged 18-54 would rather have a hotel room with a reliable internet connection (80%) than a picturesque view (76%) [7].
In fact, a reliable internet connection was second only to cost in terms of the most important features of travel accommodation, and almost two thirds (64%) said roaming features were a key consideration when choosing a mobile plan[8].
Despite the benefits of remote work, Uswitch's survey also highlighted the biggest challenges faced by individuals working remotely. These include loud background noises (29%), slow and unreliable internet (24%), and having to rely on unsecure / public Wi-Fi (23%). [9]
The research also suggests that over a million Brits have been stung with unexpected connectivity charges as a result of working abroad [10], so it’s vital that people stay well informed of their providers’ latest roaming policies.
Ernest Doku, Uswitch mobiles expert comments: “As the lines between home and office become increasingly blurred, it’s no surprise that the same is happening with our leisure time, holiday and travel plans.
“On the one hand, technology has given us more choice with how and where we work, however we can easily get caught off-guard and find ourselves low on data or in a broadband black spot - not the best look if you’re on an urgent deadline.
“No matter where you’re going - whether it’s a remote village in Cornwall or a Caribbean beach - there are several simple steps you should take to avoid unexpected roaming charges, and keep your tech operating at optimal levels.”
For more information on SIM only contracts and to explore the full range of options available, visit the Uswitch website at Uswitch.com.
Uswitch’s essential tips for working remotely:
Take advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots at hotels, cafes, and public places to reduce reliance on mobile data. However, ensure you are using a secure network to protect your personal and professional information. If in doubt, hotspot from your phone to ensure a secure connection when in the UK.
Laptop risers can be a great tool to avoid overheating. Consider bringing a portable one to the pub, park, or cafe.
Pack a battery pack. Hotspotting can significantly drain your smartphone’s battery life, so take a battery pack as a back up to keep yourself connected.
Do your homework beforehand. Check what the network coverage at your destination is like ahead of time, especially if you’re heading to more rural areas. When it comes to booking accommodation, check the reviews for an honest appraisal of the WiFi.
If you’re going abroad, disable automatic updates for apps and turn off push notifications to avoid unnecessary data usage. Manually update your apps and check for important notifications periodically to stay in control.
Awareness is key to managing costs effectively. Stay well informed and contact your mobile provider before your trip to fully understand their roaming and tethering policies, potential charges and available bundles for your specific destinations.
Consider buying a no-contract SIM only deal that will cover you for your time away. Lebara, which runs off the Vodafone network, offers a 5GB monthly SIM only contract for £4.95, which also comes with free roaming in the EU and India.
Prior to your journey, download any work apps, documents and inboxes onto your device. This way, you can access them without using too much data.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Opinium surveyed a sample of 2,000 UK adults from 11 July 2023 - 14 July 2023.
[1]“Have you worked remotely from any of the following places in the last 12 months? Base (1,210) = those who have worked in the past 12 months] (Coffee shops or cafes (16%); Holiday or holiday apartment (12%); Airports, train stations or trains (11%); Car journeys (11%);; Libraries or bookstores (8%); Public parks or outdoor spaces (7%); Pub or bar (7%); Beaches or pools (4%); Hairdresser or salon (4%); Campgrounds or RVs (3%); Other (4%)) Please consider remote working as logging on to complete a work task whilst in any of these locations.” [Inversion of 54% who stated that they haven’t worked anywhere but their office or workplace in the past 12 months.
[2]“Have you worked remotely from any of the following places in the last 12 months?” Volume of people is quantified using approximately 55 million UK adults [e.g. 7% of those who have worked in the past 12 months have logged on from a pub. This equates to 4.05% of all British adults. 4.05% of 55,000,000 = 2,227,500]
[3] Of those who worked somewhere that wasn't their workplace or home in the last 12 months - “Did you do any of the following to conceal your true location?” [Inversion of 35% who have not tried to conceal their location]
Options given were: (Use noise cancelling headphones; Used virtual backgrounds or blurred backgrounds in video calls; Keep consistent background or surroundings during video calls to avoid revealing changes in location; Set up a dedicated "home office" area with professional-looking props; Adjust work schedule to align with regular office hours in a different time zone; Utilise a VPN to change appeared location; Mimic office sounds, such as keyboard typing or background chatter, through audio apps; Played ambient sounds or using noise-cancellation devices to mimic office environment; Other; N/A – I haven’t tried to conceal my location)
[4] Of people of traditional working age (18-54) “How important are each of the following when choosing holiday accommodation either in the UK or abroad?
A good view [76% said this was important]
Reliable internet connection / Wi-Fi [80% said this was important]
[5] Those who answered “I haven’t worked anywhere but my office or workplace in the last 12 months”. Volume of people is quantified using approximately 55 million UK adults.
[6] Source - Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
[7] Of people of traditional working age (18-54) “How important are each of the following when choosing holiday accommodation either in the UK or abroad?
A good view [76% said this was important]
Reliable internet connection / Wi-Fi [80% said this was important]
[8] Percentage of those that said ‘Important’ in response to the question “Now thinking about your mobile phone contract. How important is mobile roaming, being able to use your phone abroad, when choosing your SIM plan?”
[9] Percentage of those that said ‘Important’ in response to the question “Now thinking about your mobile phone contract. How important is mobile roaming, being able to use your phone abroad, when choosing your SIM plan?”
[10]Those who answered “Unexpected roaming charges,” in response to the question, “What challenges, if any, have you encountered whilst working from a public space in the past year?” Volume of people is quantified using approximately 55 million UK adults. [e.g. 7% of those who have worked outside the office or home in the past 12 months said they had encountered unexpected roaming charges. This equates to 2% of all British adults. 2% of 55,000,000 = 1,100,000]
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Yolanda Etrata
Phone: 07702 534 837
Email: yolanda.etrata@uswitch.com
Twitter: @UswitchPR
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.