British workers dreaming of packing in their nine to five office job in favour of a supposed easy life working from home, underestimate what it takes to be a successful homeworker.
British workers dreaming of packing in their nine to five office job in favour of a supposed easy life working from home, underestimate what it takes to be a successful homeworker.
New research from Norwich Union explodes the myth that working from home makes for a cushy life. In fact, two in five homeworkers say they work more than eight hours a day and over three- quarters find themselves working at weekends.
The "Homeworking Reality" study reveals that the working week is longer than 45 hours for nearly half of all homeworkers. This compares to the UK average working week of just over 39 hours*.
Nine out of 10 people working from home say they made the change for a more flexible lifestyle or to spend time with their family. But in reality the majority admit they work longer hours at home than their office counterparts.
Despite these long hours, the nation's army of homeworkers say friends and family still think working from home means long lie-ins, lounging on the sofa and endless daytime TV. Almost two-thirds (62%) of homeworkers admit their friends and family assume working from home is an easy option.
And instead of providing support, it seems homeworkers' friends and family members are actually the biggest hindrance to working from home – homeworkers say their top two distractions are personal visitors to their home during "office hours" and friends calling for a gossip.
And while the traditional office environment has relaxed over the past decade, Norwich Union's research reveals things are even more casual at home. One in 10 homeworkers admit they spent the day conducting business in their pyjamas and over a third say they have conducted an important business call whilst cuddling a partner, child or pet.
Isabel Baumber, product development manager at Norwich Union, said: "General perceptions of working from home are a long way off reality. With more people turning to homeworking to address their work-life balance it is essential that they understand it's not an easy option.
"However it's not all doom and gloom for wannabe homeworkers. Despite the long hours and multiple distractions it seems that once people have tried homeworking there is no looking back. Many would never return to working in an office environment, believing the benefits of working from home far outweigh the disadvantages.
"Our research also shows that many homeworkers may not have adequate insurance for their business. It's essential that those working from home check whether they are covered, particularly if they employ others or have clients visiting their homes."
To help people thinking of working from home, Norwich Union has produced top tips for successful homeworking:
- Establish a daily routine. Create a realistic routine to help you stay focused and motivated and allow time for non- work breaks too.
- Create a dedicated work area. Whether it's a separate room, desk or work surface, a dedicated workspace will help make the switch to "home mode".
- Build a support network. Maintain and build business contacts that can offer you advice and keep you abreast of market trends and industry news. They may also be able to pass on all-important new business leads.
- Learn how to deal with interruptions. Establish ground rules for other household members and make it clear that when you are at your desk you are not to be disturbed.
- Get out of the house. To ward off cabin fever ensure you schedule appointments, both business and social, away from your home.
-ends-
Media contacts:
Charlotte Speedy or Matt Buchanan at QBO Bell Pottinger on 020 7861 2424
Liz Kennett or Lucy Haughey at Norwich Union on 01603 688 263 or 07801 901 666
Notes to editors:
*Office of National statistics figure.
- Norwich Union Insurance commissioned Continental Research to interview 450 self-employed homeworkers throughout the UK in September 2003.
- The Homeworking Reality Research also looked at the levels of insurance held by homeworkers. Nearly two thirds [64%] do not have separate business contents insurance. A further third of homeworkers did not have public liability, separate business contents or employers liability insurance.
About the Self-employed and Homework™ Products
A growing number of individuals are self–employed and often work from home. Many insurance packages lack the flexibility to cater for these kinds of businesses. Both new products from Norwich Union provide comprehensive core covers as well as the flexibility to choose from a wide range of optional covers tailored to suit self- employed workers.
Homework™
Designed for customers who want to protect their home and their business with a single policy. Primarily aimed at non-manual trades, Homework™ is a highly flexible policy which combines the best of Norwich Union's home policies together with a comprehensive range of business covers. Home contents, business contents and legal protection for both home and business are provided as standard. Optional business covers include business equipment, business interruption, employers liability, public and product liability, goods in transit and business and frozen foods.
Self-employed
Specifically developed for sole traders and businesses with up to five employees who either work from home or a third party site. The product provides public liability, commercial legal protection and money as core covers as well as offering a wide range of optional covers such as employers' liability, contractors tools, business equipment and business interruption to meet the needs of our targeted trade list.
- Norwich Union is the UK’s largest insurer with a market share of around 16% and is more than 1.5 times the size of its nearest rival. It is also the largest personal lines insurer.
- It has a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses. It insures:
- One in five households
- One in five motor vehicles
- More than 700,000 businesses
- Norwich Union products are available through a variety of distribution channels including brokers, corporate partners such as banks and building societies and Norwich Union Direct.
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