A new study conducted by leading communication agency MARCO in collaboration with research technology pioneer Cint unveils a resounding preference for hybrid work environments among global employees.
The findings underscore a seismic shift in work preferences, with 44 percent of surveyed workers expressing a clear preference for hybrid working arrangements, which blend remote and in-office work.
This preference is closely followed by traditional in-office setups, favoured by 40 percent of respondents, while only 16 percent lean towards full-time remote work.
Notably, British workers lead the charge towards hybrid working, with 41 percent opting for this arrangement, indicating a growing global demand for flexibility and work-life balance.
Organisations need to adapt
Carlos García, Head of stakeholder relations and Internal Comms at MARCO, emphasises the need for organisations to adapt to evolving societal demands. He highlights the potential of hybrid work models to foster inclusivity and flexibility, while boosting employee engagement and morale through robust internal communication strategies.
Despite the surge in hybrid work preferences, the study reveals a remarkable openness among job seekers towards various work models, with 64 percent willing to work for companies not offering hybrid solutions. Brits, in particular, display a high level of acceptance, with 63 percent open to roles even without hybrid options. This tolerance for diverse work setups, coupled with the popularity of hybrid models, reflects positive sentiments towards evolving work arrangements globally.
What about work-life balance?
The study also delves into the critical aspect of work-life balance, with 70 percent of respondents expressing satisfaction with their country’s work culture or labour laws in enabling a healthy balance between work and personal life. However, 30 percent voice dissatisfaction, indicating potential areas for improvement in work culture and legislative frameworks. Countries such as the UK, South Africa, France, and Mexico emerge as leaders in supporting work-life balance, while others like Portugal highlight room for enhancement.
As the global workforce continues to navigate the complexities of modern work environments, the rise of hybrid work stands as a testament to the evolving expectations of employees and the imperative for organisations to adapt to meet these needs.
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.
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