A new study by the International Workplace Group has revealed that three-quarters of workers say hybrid working has helped them reduce burnout.
The study, involving more than 1,000 hybrid workers, indicates that 75 percent of respondents reported a significant reduction in burnout symptoms since transitioning to a hybrid model.
Burnout is characterised as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress, and these findings highlight a positive shift in worker wellbeing.
Prior to adopting a hybrid working model, 72 percent of the workforce experienced burnout.
The hybrid approach, which typically involves splitting time between a central office, local flexible co-working spaces, and home, has alleviated the strain of lengthy daily commutes and allowed for a greater focus on personal wellbeing.
The research shows that increased flexibility in when, where, and how employees work has led to several benefits. A striking 86 percent of workers now feel they cope better with the demands of daily life.
Improved physical health
Also, more than two thirds of respondents (68%) reported improved physical health due to hybrid working. This improvement is attributed to a better work-life balance (86%), more physical exercise (54%), healthier meal preparation (58%), and better quality sleep (68%).
Workers have also experienced reductions in tiredness (79%), stress (78%), and anxiety (72%). The vast majority (86%) of respondents believe they manage day-to-day life more effectively under a hybrid model. Consequently, three quarters (76%) of workers stated that returning to a central office five days a week would negatively impact their wellbeing.
The study further suggests that hybrid working enhances business productivity, with 74 percent of workers feeling more productive and 76 percent reporting increased motivation. Furthermore, 85 percent of employees noted improved job satisfaction as a result of hybrid working.
HR leaders echo these sentiments, with 86 percent asserting that hybrid work is one of the most sought-after employee wellness benefits. They also reported that it boosts employee productivity (85%).
Increased productivity
These findings align with research conducted earlier this year by The Bank of England, Stanford University, King’s College London, and Nottingham University, led by economist Nick Bloom. This research indicated that for every day an employee works in a hybrid model, a firm’s productivity increases by approximately $19,000.
In response to the growing demand for hybrid working, International Workplace Group, the world’s largest provider of hybrid working solutions with brands such as Spaces and Regus, added 867 new locations globally last year.
Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, stated: “The global shift to hybrid working is not only bringing strong productivity and financial advantages to companies and work-life balance improvements to employees, but significant health benefits too – physically, mentally, and holistically. No longer having to spend so much time commuting to central offices means that employees have more time to look after their wellbeing, but also reduces the likelihood of burnout in the workforce. Companies need to take note that not only will they have a happier, healthier workforce when they allow people to work flexibly, but people actually feel more productive and motivated.”
The study underscores the transformative impact of hybrid working on both employee wellbeing and business productivity, advocating for its continued adoption in the modern workplace.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
