More than half of people have found working from home better than their previous arrangements, according to a journalism union survey.

Research by the Oxford branch of the National Union of Journalists has revealed 52pc of publishing professionals preferred remote working to offices in terms of space, lighting, heat, noise and having fewer interruptions.

However, the union’s study of almost 1,000 people has also found 57pc were struggling to manage their equipment, while three-quarters said informal work-related communications had been affected negatively by the practice.

The branch has now urged employers to “develop best practice” to ensure that working from home does not “further disadvantage those who may already be finding it hard to cope” away from the office.

The study was conducted with the Society of Young Publishers and the Oxford Publishing Society.

Oxford NUJ branch secretary Anna Wagstaff, pictured, said: “The survey showed that not all homes can double up as workplaces; not all communication, learning or mentoring, can be done remotely; and that not everyone separates their professional from their social networks.

“With many publishing companies now looking to transition to increased remote working, it is important to develop best practice so that any changes work for everyone, and don’t further disadvantage those who may already be finding it hard to cope.”