Hybrid workers take fewer sick days, report less stress and enjoy better overall health, data provided to Workplace Wellbeing Professional reveals.
The figures show that 34% of hybrid workers are taking fewer sick days since adopting flexible working. And 71% say they now make time for preventative healthcare, such as medical screenings and check-ups, while 68% experience fewer stress-related health issues.
The findings, by hybrid workspace network International Workplace Group (IWG), come as UK businesses face a surge in workplace absence due to long-term sickness. Recent data suggests that rising sick days are costing the economy £33 billion per year in lost productivity, a sum that could double by 2030. Against this backdrop, hybrid working is proving to be a powerful tool in reducing absenteeism and improving overall workforce wellbeing.
Health Benefits of Hybrid Working
The research, which surveyed over 2,000 hybrid workers across the UK, reveals several key health benefits:
- Fewer Sick Days: 34% of workers report taking fewer days off due to illness since shifting to a hybrid model.
- Better Preventative Healthcare: 71% of hybrid workers make time for regular check-ups, screenings and other preventative health measures.
- Reduced Stress-Related Illnesses: 68% report a decline in stress-induced symptoms such as severe headaches, digestive issues and muscle tension.
- Improved Work-Life Balance: 79% feel they have better control over their personal and professional lives, leading to reduced anxiety and burnout.
The reduction in stress is largely attributed to the decline in long, exhausting commutes. With 80% of hybrid workers citing reduced commuting time as a key factor in lowering their stress levels, the shift towards flexible work is not only improving mental health but also creating a more engaged workforce.
A Business and Economic Imperative
The advantages of hybrid working extend beyond personal wellbeing. Employers are seeing measurable benefits, with 75% of CEOs reporting increased productivity among hybrid workers. Additionally, 77% of business leaders say that employees are more engaged and motivated under flexible work arrangements.
A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that 38% of organisations saw productivity gains when implementing hybrid models, while only 13% reported a decline.
The link between employee wellbeing and business success is becoming increasingly clear, prompting more firms to embrace hybrid policies.
Hybrid Work Could Ease NHS Burden
Beyond the workplace, flexible working could also have wider benefits for the UK’s strained healthcare system. Research from Virgin Media O2 Business and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) suggests that hybrid working could save the NHS more than £4 billion annually by reducing demand for stress-related treatments, allowing employees to better manage their health and family responsibilities.
NHS GP and TV medic Dr Sara Kayat stressed the importance of flexible work in maintaining long-term health. “It’s clear from this research that hybrid working models are offering employees not only greater flexibility but also tangible health benefits,” she said.
“By reducing the physical and mental strain of long daily commutes, workers are able to better manage their existing health conditions, access preventative care and reduce stress.”
She added that it was “not only improving their overall wellbeing but also helping businesses by reducing the costs associated with absenteeism and burnout”.
Dr Kayat advises hybrid workers to use their flexible schedules to prioritise health and wellbeing:
- Schedule Preventative Healthcare: Take advantage of flexible working hours to book regular health check-ups and screenings.
- Incorporate Movement into the Day: Engage in local fitness groups or home workouts to counteract the sedentary effects of desk work.
- Prioritise Nutrition: Prepare healthy, balanced meals that support sustained energy and focus.
The Future of Hybrid Work
The demand for hybrid work is only increasing. IWG, which operates workspace brands such as Regus and Spaces, says it opened 899 new locations globally last year to accommodate the growing appetite for flexible work solutions.
CEO Mark Dixon says the shift towards hybrid models is a win-win for employees and employers.
“Hybrid and more flexible ways of working are incredibly beneficial for both employees and their employers,” he said. “Not only is it universally popular with workers with higher levels of satisfaction and an improved work-life balance, but as this research shows, employees are taking fewer sick days, managing stress better and adopting healthier lifestyles.”
Dixon added that “[m]eanwhile, companies are enjoying higher levels of productivity and lower costs.”