APM Research Shows Shift to Remote Working

With the UK Government setting out its roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions, nearly half of project professionals (49%) have revealed that their company is to move to a permanent remote working model for its staff.

A new study of more than 1,000 project professionals carried out for the Association for Project Management (APM) highlights the impact of the pandemic on the ways of working throughout the project management profession, as well as revealing the levels of optimism or pessimism on the return to normal project activity after COVID-related restrictions end.

The new research from Censuswide shows that the appetite for continued homeworking among project managers is strong. 47% state that regardless of their company’s plans, they would choose permanent remote working post-lockdown, while a further 17% state that they would opt for a mix of home and office-based work.

The survey also shows that 40% of project professionals say that home working has positively impacted their mental health wellbeing, with just over a third, 36%, saying they would prefer a permanent return to the office.

There is also a greater feeling of confidence among those responsible for delivering projects, with 62% of respondents revealing they are more optimistic now that project activity in their industry sector will return to normal within 12 months than they were at the end of 2020.

Debbie Dore, chief executive of APM, said: “Despite the challenges of the past year, the project profession has shown great adaptability and a willingness to embrace change. This is reflected in the number of project professionals who have adapted well to working from home and are happy to continue to do so.

“It is positive to see the high level of optimism on the re-mobilisation of project activity post-lockdown and the benefits of homeworking to mental wellbeing for many people.

“APM is committed to developing and promoting the value of project management in order to deliver improved project outcomes for the benefit of society, and throughout the lockdown period has continued to provide guidance and support to members and stakeholders, wherever they may be based, including the delivery of online qualifications and resources.”

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