New research has found that the vast majority of workers who have shifted to a hybrid model say that it has helped them to reduce burnout in their working lives greatly.
The study, undertaken by International Workplace Group among more than 1,000 hybrid workers, found that three-quarters (75%) reported a dramatic reduction in burnout symptoms, defined as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplaces stress, since moving to a hybrid model.
Figures from the research show that 72% of the workforce experienced burnout at work before moving to a hybrid working model, where most split their time between a central office, local flexible coworking spaces and home. This has led to many workers no longer having to undertake lengthy daily commutes, leaving more time to focus on wellbeing.
According to the study, this increase in free time has led to a better work-life balance (86%), more physical exercise (54%), healthier meal prep (58%) and better quality of sleep (68%), all of which contributes to a diminished risk of burnout. Overall, more than two-thirds of workers (68%) said their physical health had improved due to hybrid working.
Workers also reported feeling less drained (79%), less stressed (78%) and less anxious (72%), with an overwhelming 86% of workers saying they felt like they could cope with day-to-day life better when working in a flexible model.
Given the overwhelmingly positive impact of hybrid working on workers’ mental and physical health, it is perhaps unsurprising that three-quarters (76%) said returning to a central office five days a week would negatively affect their wellbeing.
The study also suggests it could impact business productivity. 74% of workers said they were more productive when working in a hybrid model, while a similar number (76%) reported being more motivated. 85% of employees said that hybrid work had actually improved their job satisfaction.
HR leaders’ views support this, with four in five (86%) stating hybrid work is now one of the most in-demand employee wellness benefits, and report that it increases employee productivity (85%) **.
This reflects research undertaken earlier this year by The Bank of England, Stanford University, King’s College London and Nottingham University, led by renowned economist and academic Nick Bloom. It found that for every day a firm’s employee worked in a hybrid model, that that firm’s productivity is around $19,000 higher.
International Workplace Group, the world’s largest provider of hybrid working solutions with brands including Spaces and Regus, added 867 new locations globally last year to meet growing demand for hybrid working.
Mark Dixon, International Workplace Group CEO stated:
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.
Mark Dixon, International Workplace Group CEO
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.