Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Saturday, Feb 22, 2025

Top 20 things Brits will miss when office life returns from sleep to housework

Top 20 things Brits will miss when office life returns from sleep to housework

Many people have been working from home for over a year and the kick-backs include lovely lie ins, no commute and listening to music and watching TV in bed as they work

Employed Brits are 'nervous' about leaving their home comforts behind when they return to the workplace - and will miss getting up later and working in their pyjamas.

Research of 1,060 adults, who have worked from home during the pandemic, found 77 per cent believe spending more time at home has been one of the positives of lockdown.

But this means 63 per cent are not looking forward to leaving this behind once restrictions ease.

The thought of having to commute, and get up earlier, has 42 per cent feeling anxious about being away from their homes and returning to 'normality'.

Others are also going to miss being at home for package deliveries.

To fill the void, the research commissioned by Hotpoint, found 21 per cent are considering taking items with them to remind them of being at home.

The daily commute is high up on most people's list


These include mugs, plates or cutlery, their favourite coffee or even their child's toy.

Jo Hemmings, behavioural psychologist, said: "Unlike Separation Anxiety Disorder, where adults experience high levels of anxiety when they're away from loved ones - Home Separation Anxiety is related to the nervousness around being away from home comforts.

"In other words, we're seeing a rise of FOGO - a fear of going out - now that we're edging closer to normality.

"Brits have cultivated a sense of 'homeliness'; and now that we're going to be spending less time in our homes and compromising that feeling of being safe and secure, it is even more important that we make sure that the time we do spend there is relaxing and of good quality."

The study also found that those polled expect to return to their workplace once restrictions are eased, with 63 per cent planning to split their time between their and home.

Perks like being in for deliveries will be missed by millions


But 31 per cent expect to return full time, according to the research via OnePoll.

While 58 per cent look forward to a return, 42 per cent aren't so keen, with 84 per cent saying they will miss working from home full time.

Nearly two thirds – 65 per cent – would now describe themselves as a homebody - preferring the pleasures and activities that centre around the home.

More than four in 10, 44 per cent, are now more appreciative of their home compared to before the lockdown, while 43 per cent are more attached to their belongings.

It also emerged 45 per cent felt their job's enjoyment levels remained the same whether at work or at home, but 39 per cent found it more enjoyable being based in their own surroundings.

The commute, being around lots of people and losing the ability to appreciate the little things like lunchtime walks, were the things that made employees most nervous about a return.

Keeping on top of cleaning so it doesn't pile up, getting in a good routine, fitting in exercise and walks and keeping on track with the laundry, were the biggest everyday accomplishments from working at home.

And nearly one in five (18 per cent) have bought more home appliances during this time as a third increased the number of times they've had to use their washing machine.

New loungewear and bedsheets were also among the home comforts Brits have invested more into during the last 12 months.

Kimberley Garner, brand manager for Hotpoint, said, "One of the pros we can take from the pandemic is that Brits have built a real attachment to their homes and their belongings, investing more in new appliances than before the pandemic to take better care of precious items."

TOP 20 THINGS HOME WORKERS WILL MISS UPON THEIR RETURN TO THE WORKPLACE


1. Not having to commute
2. Getting up later
3. Being at home for package deliveries
4. Being able to work in comfy clothes (e.g. jogging bottoms, slippers)
5. Being able to be flexible with meal prep / when they want to eat
6. Being able to do housework during the day
7. A quieter environment to get more done
8. That feeling of home
9. Not having to share a loo with colleagues
10. Being able to listen to their favourite music while working
11. Being able to work under little or no supervision
12. Being around their pets as much
13. Not having to wear make-up
14. Being able to go online and look at non-work things
15. Being able to work in their pyjamas
16. Being able to cosy up with a blanket between meetings
17. Being around their children as much
18. Clean hand towels
19. Being able to have naps during the day
20. Being able to work from their bed

Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Saudi Arabia and the United States Strengthen Ties Amid Global Developments
Saudi Arabia Hosts Global Conference to Promote Islamic Unity
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Education and Child Development
Saudi Arabia Announces Competition for Best Founding Day Outfits
Saudi-EU Food Security Officials Hold Talks to Strengthen Collaboration
Putin Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Hosting US-Russia Talks
UK and Saudi Arabia Enhance Collaboration in Innovation and Technology
Denmark's Embassy in Riyadh Showcases Danish Cuisine with Saudi Influence
Saudi Artist Salman Al-Amir Unveils 'Tafawut' Exhibition in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences to Kuwait Following Military Exercise Fatalities
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs Completes Ramadan Preparations in Madinah
Etidal Secretary-General Hosts UN Counter-Terrorism Director in Riyadh
ADNOC Drilling Targets Over $1 Billion in Investments for 2025 Amid Gulf Expansion Plans
Derayah Financial Achieves Remarkable Growth in Saudi Brokerage and Asset Management
Saudi Arabia Shortlists 30 Firms for Mining Licenses in Eastern Province and Tabuk
Saudi Foreign Minister Engages Counterparts at G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Oil Prices Decline Amid Rising US Inventories
Saudi Arabia's NDMC Plans Green Bond Issuance by 2025
Moody’s Affirms Egypt’s Caa1 Rating Amid Positive Economic Outlook
Oman and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Economic Ties with New Agreements
Saudi Arabia Investments Propel Expansion of Qurayyah Power Plant
Saudi Capital Market Authority Advances SPACs and Direct Listings
Global Energy Leaders Gather in Riyadh for Symposium on Energy Outlooks
Al-Ahsa Region Sees 500% Growth in Tourism as Saudi Arabia Prioritizes Development
Saudi Arabia Advances Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Al-Ahsa with New Agreement
King Salman Approves Official Saudi Riyal Symbol
Saudi Credit Card Lending Reaches $8.4 Billion Amid Digital Payment Expansion
King Salman Approves Official Symbol for Saudi Riyal
Putin Thanks Saudi Crown Prince for Facilitating U.S.-Russia Discussions
Saudi Foreign Minister Attends G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Saudi Arabia Prepares for Nationwide Founding Day Celebrations
Inauguration of Hira Park and Walkway Enhances Jeddah's Urban Landscape
Crown Prince Hosts Leaders for Informal Meeting in Riyadh Amid Gaza Rebuilding Plans
Saudi Official Highlights Achievements and Media's Role in National Transformation
Three Expatriate Women Arrested for Prostitution in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's Diplomatic Evolution Highlighted at Saudi Media Forum
Healthy Eating and Preparation Essential for Ramadan Fasting
Saudi Arabia and Japan Forge Sustainable Textile Partnership
Advanced Limb Surgery Restores Mobility in Pediatric Cancer Patient
Jeddah Event Explores AI's Role in Boosting Saudi Arabia's SME Sector
UN Representative Highlights AI's Role in Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes
Saudi and Jordanian Leaders Discuss Enhanced Security Cooperation in Amman
Saudi British Society Honors Cultural Bridge-Builders at London Gala
Saudi Media Forum 2025 Explores AI's Role in Modern Journalism
Saudi Arabia's Saqer Al-Moqbel Appointed as WTO General Council President for 2025–2026
Saudi Deputy Ministers Engage in Diplomatic Discussions with U.S. and Dutch Officials in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia to Launch Iftar Program in 61 Countries During Ramadan
Saudi Visitors Expected to Spend £942 Million in UK During 2025
Saudi Arabia Gifts Kaaba's Kiswah to Uzbekistan's Center of Islamic Civilization
Digital Cooperation Organization Concludes Fourth General Assembly with Multiple Agreements
×