THE RISE OF THE ‘ANYWHERE WORKER’
- One in five UK workers say their companies allow them to work from anywhere, rising 1 in 4 globally
The trend of the ‘anywhere worker’ is gaining momentum, according to a recent Opinium* survey of 2,000 business travellers in the UK, the United States, Canada and Australia.
The survey, commissioned by World Travel Protection, a global travel risk management organisation, reveals that more than one in four (26%) UK business travellers want the flexibility to work from any location (34% is global figure). 11% even identify as an ‘anywhere worker’ (17% is global figure).
Nearly one in ten (8%) UK respondents plan to work from a different country for at least a month or more (13% is global figure), while 7% are planning a ‘hush’ or ‘quiet vacation’, where they work remotely from a different location without informing their employer (12% is global figure).
The ability to work from anywhere is becoming increasingly important, with 8% of UK workers saying they would quit their job if this option was not available (13% is global figure) – a figure that jumps to 14% among those aged 18 to 34 (17% is global figure).
Businesses are starting to recognise this shift in working culture. In the UK, almost one in five (18%) allow employees to work from anywhere (24% is global figure), with 12% actively encouraging this (19% is global figure).
However, the survey also reveals a lack of clear policies: fewer than one in five (18%) UK respondents say their company has clear guidelines on where employees can and cannot work (21% is global figure).
More than one in ten (11%) UK workers also say they worry their employers are using tracking software to monitor their activity while working remotely (15% is global figure).
Kate Fitzpatrick, Security Director EMEA at World Travel Protection said: “The survey findings reveal a growing desire among employees to break free from traditional office constraints. For those who have the ability to work remotely, it’s a benefit we’re not willing to give up. We’ve moved beyond simply working from home – now, we’re taking our laptops to far-flung destinations. Companies that fail to align with this growing trend risk losing key talent.
“However, we mustn’t forget that all travel comes with risk and it’s essential that proper precautions are taken to maximise the safety of employees. Travelling for business generally means you are at least covered on your employer’s insurance and emergency assistance. If something goes wrong and your employer has not given permission for you to work remotely, their insurance may not cover you,” she said.
*Opinium online survey conducted with 500 people, who travel for business at least once a year in each of the countries, the UK, the United States, Canada and Australia, from 1 – 8 February 2024.
