Comparative Study of Remote Work Productivity in Tech vs. Service Sectors

Abstract

This paper compares the productivity outcomes of remote work in technology and service sector firms across North America and Europe. Using surveys of 2,000 employees and case studies from 50 organizations, the study finds that tech firms benefit significantly from collaborative cloud tools, flexible workflows, and self-managed teams, resulting in higher productivity and innovation. Service sector firms face challenges with client coordination, process standardization, and supervision, reducing productivity gains. Behavioral factors such as autonomy, digital literacy, and home-office conditions also influence outcomes. Findings suggest sector-specific remote work policies, hybrid models, and targeted digital tools can optimize productivity while maintaining employee satisfaction.