NEW YORK — The COVID-19 pandemic has apparently given a whole new meaning to the term business casual. With millions now working from home, a full two-thirds of remote American employees can’t remember the last time they wore pants.
A total of 2,000 remote working Americans were surveyed for this research, and 80% said that they spend nine-to-five in their underwear, pajamas, or comfy clothes nowadays. Another 70% much prefer working remotely to commuting everyday.
The survey, which was commissioned by Mattress Firm, asked respondents about how they’re adapting to remote employment, and for many, old habits seem to die hard. For example, despite not having to commute at all, 44% have still been “late” for work.
One would assume that working from home would lead to a drop in productivity, but the survey’s results actually indicate the opposite. A full 70% said they’ve been more productive since lockdowns began and they started working from home.
Meanwhile, 59% have taken advantage of their home-work situation and sneaked in a mid-day nap while on the clock, with the average adult napping for four hours per week. Most of those nappers (52%) said their afternoon siestas made them realize they need a new bed.
Many Americans aren’t just sleeping in bed either; 57% said they usually work from their bed now for about four hours per day.
“Our bed tends to be a place of comfort and familiarity, especially during times of uncertainty or anxiety, so it’s completely understandable to want to work from bed,” says Dr. Sujay Kansagra, sleep health consultant for Mattress Firm. “But it’s important to remember your bedroom should be your sleep sanctuary and should be kept separate from your workspace.”
It goes without saying at this point that anxiety among Americans is at an all time high. So, how are respondents dealing with that stress? Exercise (55%) was the top answer to that question, followed by watching TV or movies (51%), meditating (42%), sleeping more (39%), and cooking (36%). Other popular anxiety relievers listed by participants were reading (36%), eating (36%), video games (34%), talking to friends (34%), and hobbies (32%).
Regarding keeping in touch with friends and family, 63% of respondents said they’ve used a video chatting app to catch up with loved ones. In fact, 23% even said they use such video applications five times per week.
One of the biggest lockdown annoyances has been the shutdown of barber shops and hair salons. Well, one in three respondents have given themselves a haircut while self-isolating.
The survey was conducted by OnePoll.