Remote workers outperform on-site teams, embrace diversity and innovation

As the post-pandemic debate continues regarding the efficacy of remote versus in-person workers, fresh research has produced a win for the work-from-anywhere camp.

High performance teams don’t just happen at the office, according to The Talent Insights report from Aquent. Researchers determined that the highest performing teams embrace remote work, value diversity and are open to innovation such as AI.

Sixty-six percent of remote teams are identified as high-performing versus only 47% of on-site teams. The report also shows that 79% of remote teams seek diverse perspectives very or moderately well, compared to 61% of on-site teams, and 96% of high-performing teams are very or moderately effective at adapting to change and embracing innovation, compared to 73% of low-to-moderately performing teams.

“We believe AI will enhance human talent and empower people to be more creative, agile and efficient,” said John H. Chuang, Founder and CEO of Aquent. “It is my sincere hope that companies across the globe will lean on these findings to better inform their workplace policies and decisions. Together, we can create a great place to work for all.”

The survey also shows a connection with company values and brand purpose motivates teams to outperform. Younger workers around the world want to work toward a purpose aligned with their beliefs, and this shapes their career decisions. Says the report: “It is of vital importance for companies to articulate their brand purpose, anchor strategic decisions for the organization around it, and connect employees to that core.”

Psychological safety is also important to high performance. When asked to what extent does your team cultivate a sense of psychological safety and metal wellbeing, 90% of high-performing teams said it does to a great extent or somewhat, and only 68% of low-to-moderately performing teams said so. Also 88% of high performing teams share information across different departments whereas only 63% of low-to-moderately performing teams do.

Aquent says there are key actions employers can take to elevate team performance. They include:

• Determining how your team applies the eight behaviors of high performance
• Build an environment of safety and trust, and always lead by example
• Break down silos by creating transparent channels of communications
• Help your team align with brand purpose then recognize their work
• Establish best practices for AI use and integrate them in your processes
• Prioritize results over on-site work and advocate for remote arrangements

See also:

• Agencies seek to balance company culture with remote staff
• Top places in the U.S. for remote work
• Commercial property owners fret over widespread remote work