Currently, seven in 10 (69%) of UK workers are working remotely at least some of the time, up from 9% before lockdown began.
In terms of home internet usage among workers while in lockdown, 62% are having more video calls with colleagues and loved ones, while 51% are paying more attention to news and current affairs online.
Due to the increased use of home internet, this has shown to place a strain on connectivity, and over a quarter of participants (26%) have responded by taking steps to improve their broadband. The most common changes made include upgrading broadband packages (10%), switching to a new provider (8%), and purchasing a new WiFi or wireless router (8%).
Shifting to working remotely was only difficult for 27% of UK workers overall, and in regards to sector, the figure was lower for private sector employees (24%), compared to those in the public sector (33%).
Keeping data private and protected when remote working
“The data overwhelmingly shows that the lines between our personal and professional lives are becoming increasingly blurred as we adapt to working from home more often,” said Jamie Jefferies, vice-president EMEA at Ciena.
“With more demand on our home broadband, we are looking to upgrade in every way we know how, all to make sure we have a good enough connection now and in the future. This presents a unique opportunity for network providers as connectivity priorities change.
“This shift also has a significant impact on businesses and network providers. Until now, high-speed broadband and bandwidth were primarily focused around urban areas, particularly in big cities like London, where there is a high density of businesses that require enterprise-grade connectivity.
“With more people working remotely, both short and longer-term, employers and network providers will need to change how they deliver connectivity to users.”
1000 workers throughout the UK were surveyed for Ciena’s study, which was conducted by Opinium in May this year.
