Brits embrace unconventional workspaces during nationwide industrial action
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)[1]
As the capital is gripped by more industrial action, London emerges as the remote working hub of the UK, with a higher percentage of Londoners adopting these working trends compared to the rest of the country (46%)
The vast majority (86%) of Brits experienced disruptions whilst working from alternative locations, with ‘too much background noise’ coming up top as the most common disruption (29%) [2]
Uswitch mobile experts provide tips and advice on how to stay connected and keep costs down while ‘working from anywhere’ during the industrial action
As industrial action impacts travel for millions across the country, office workers have been seeking alternative places to work from.
In addition to relatively conventional working locations, such as coffee shops and cafes (24%), more than one in ten (11%) Londoners could be logging on from their 'local' pub according to research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.
London has emerged as the remote working capital of the UK, with almost two-thirds of workers (62%) saying they have logged on to work remotely outside the home or the office over the past 12 months. This is in comparison to 46% of British workers across the whole of the UK[3].
The capital’s parks have also attracted remote workers, with one in ten logging on from the likes of Green Park, Epping Forest, and Hyde Park[3].
British workers nationwide are embracing the creativity of those in London, who have shown that unconventional spots like pubs and parks can serve as remote work locations. Alongside typical working venues such as coffee shops and cafes, pubs (7%) and even hairdressers or salons (4%) have become popular workspaces for Brits across the country[3].
While remote work offers various benefits, it comes with its own set of challenges. The research also highlights workers' concerns about privacy or interruptions (31%), background noise (30%), reliance on public Wi-Fi (28%), and slow and unreliable internet (23%).[4]
Ernest Doku, Uswitch telecoms expert, commented, "As industrial action hits commuters, many will be looking for ways to work remotely and avoid potential disruptions.
“Whether it's logging on from a pub, park, or cafe, many UK workers who are able to work remotely have shown great resilience in not letting transport delays interfere with deadlines.
“If you’re considering working from places that aren’t your office - make sure you’re keeping any information secure, and consider tethering from mobile hotspots. You should also avoid leaving your tech unattended even for a moment if you pop up to get a coffee.
“Of course, always be respectful towards the places you work from as well as of other people around you, and try not to overstay your welcome.”
To help workers navigate remote work effectively, Ernest Doku offers essential tips for staying connected and keeping costs down while remote working:
Take advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots at cafes, pubs, and libraries, while ensuring a secure network.
Consider buying a SIM only deal with a high data allowance, to cover personal hotspots to access more secure mobile data iD Mobile offers unlimited data, inclusive of hotspotting, from £15 a month.
Hotspotting can drain your phone’s battery, so be sure to carry a charger or battery pack as a backup to keep your devices connected.
If using a personal hotspot, stay informed of your mobile provider's policies to avoid unexpected charges.
Invest in noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds to avoid distractions when working from public spaces.
Search for coffee and tea deals in your area. In today’s hybrid working world, there are numerous deals out there for discounted beverages for those who might be working remotely. For example, Brewdog offers unlimited coffee or tea all day, and then a pint when you're done, all for £10, while Youngs offer ‘work from pub’ packages across the UK from £15.
Be respectful - don’t overstay your welcome if you’re in a busy place, and check in with the establishment that they’re happy for you to work while you’re there.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Yolanda Etrata
Phone: 07702 534 837
Email: yolanda.etrata@uswitch.com
Twitter: @UswitchPR
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?” 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]
[2]”What challenges, if any, have you encountered whilst working from a public space in the past year?” 84% is 100% take away the 16% that answered responded: “N/A – I haven’t encountered any issues”
[3] Of those that live in London: “Have you worked remotely from any of the following places in the last 12 months? Please consider remote working as logging on to complete a work task whilst in any of these locations. Answers: Coffee shops or cafes (24%); Holiday or holiday apartment (18%); Airports, train stations or trains (18%); Car journeys(15%); Libraries or bookstores (13%); Public parks or outdoor spaces(11%); Pub or bar (11%); Beaches or pools (6%); Hairdresser or salon (5%); Campgrounds or RVs (4%).”
[4]“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.
[5] Of those that have worked away from the office or the home: “What challenges, if any, have you encountered whilst working from a public space in the past year?”
[6] Source - Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
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.