New research among UK staff finds that hybrid working makes employees happier, healthier, and more productive.
A study by the International Workplace Group (IWG) surveyed 1,026 hybrid workers.
It revealed three-quarters experienced less burnout than working exclusively in the office.
The research highlighted numerous benefits of hybrid working.
This included improved sleep, healthier eating habits, reduced stress levels, and a better sense of wellbeing.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Less Drained And Stressed: 79 percent of respondents felt less drained, 78 percent experienced less stress, and 72 percent felt less anxious.
- Improved Work/Life Balance: 86 percent reported that the time saved from not commuting daily enhanced their work/life balance, allowing them to handle daily life challenges better.
- Better Health: 68 percent enjoyed better quality sleep, 54 percent exercised more, and 58 percent prepared healthier meals.
Mark Dixon, IWG’s CEO, said: “Little has done more over the years to depress, stress, and irritate workers than the daily commute.
“Hybrid working has shown substantial health and wellbeing benefits, with workers using the saved commute time to improve their quality of life.”
The survey found that about three-quarters of hybrid workers felt more productive (74 percent) and motivated (76 percent).
Additionally, 85 percent reported higher job satisfaction due to their flexible working arrangements.
These results align with research by Nick Bloom, a Stanford University professor, published in the journal Nature.
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Bloom’s study of 1,612 staff at a Chinese technology company found hybrid working improves job satisfaction and maintains productivity.
It also reduces employee turnover by a third, particularly among women, non-managers, and those with long commutes.
Initially, skeptical managers also became supportive of hybrid working after witnessing its benefits.
“Hybrid working has shown substantial health and wellbeing benefits, with workers using the saved commute time to improve their quality of life”
Dr. Jen Rhymer from University College London’s School of Management said: “Hybrid work arrangements are unsurprisingly the most in-demand benefit.
“Numerous studies have demonstrated that remote and hybrid work can be as or more productive than fully in-office work.
“It also improves job satisfaction and retention.”
Dixon added organisations offering flexible work options would likely attract younger staff and mitigate labor shortages.
IWG, a leading global provider of hybrid working setups, confirmed the survey participants represented the UK population by region and gender.
