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Hybrid work persists amid surge in return-to-office policies
As the discussion around hybrid and full-time office work persists, workers show no sign of giving up hybrid working patterns according to new research released by Hays.
Over two in five workers (43%) are currently working in a hybrid way, ahead of those who are spending their work week full time in an office (41%). Last year, as reported by Hays – more workers were working full time in an office (43%) than were hybrid working (39%).
Only 16% of professionals are now working remotely full time – a trend which continues to decline year on year according to analysis by Hays.
The research, based on a survey of over 10,600 professionals and employers found that the only age groups who were spending more time in an office were those aged 20-29 and those aged 50+. 45% of those aged 20-29 say they are working full time in an office setting, with 43% of those aged 50+ doing the same.
According to the research, younger workers (20-29 years old) were the only age group who said they work more productively from an office (46%) than they do working at home (39%).
Most employers intend to stick to hybrid offering
Despite companies like Amazon mandating a return to five days in the office, over a quarter (77%) of firms surveyed say they intend to stick to their hybrid offering over the coming 12 months. Less than one in five (18%) say they anticipate staff will be required in the office more often – increasing to 22% for firms of over 1,000 staff.
When it comes to hybrid policies, a quarter (25%) of employers say staff are required in the office three times per week. Over a quarter (26%) still say their offering is flexible and staff can choose their office days, whilst 22% say staff must be in the office two days per week at a minimum.
London remains the most popular location for hybrid work, with over (57%) of professionals working in a hybrid way, and 29% working fully in the office.
Older workers admit feelings of isolation and loneliness due to hybrid work
While hybrid work provides numerous benefits for today’s workforce – according to the research there are reported downsides. Over a third (36%) of professionals say they’ve experienced a lack of interaction with colleagues as a result of hybrid working, 30% have experienced an increase in meetings and 27% feel their work-life balance has become blurred.
Over a fifth of workers (22%) say they’ve experienced isolation and loneliness as a result of hybrid working, increasing to nearly a third (32%) of workers over the age of 50. Nearly two in five (39%) of this age group say they’ve experienced a lack of interaction with colleagues and 36% feel their work-life balance has blurred.
Pam Lindsay-Dunn, COO of Hays UK&I, comments: “Our research shows that there’s negligible difference when it comes to how staff are working this year compared to last, and hybrid work is still a popular balance for today’s workers.
Despite the push for return-to-office mandates, offering flexibility through hybrid work not only enhances employee well-being and productivity but also attracts and retains top talent. By embracing a hybrid approach, companies can foster a more inclusive and adaptable work environment that meets the diverse needs of their workforce.
However, employers must be mindful about the long-term effects of blending in office and home working. Ensuring there are ample opportunities for staff to get together, regardless of their hybrid schedule is important – and encouraging frequent check-ins and open communications across all levels is key to combat feelings of isolation.”
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About the research: The survey was conducted between the 21st of August – 11th September 2024 and received 10,658 responses from employers and professionals
Comparisons made in the release refer to research in 2023: The survey was conducted between the 10th of August – 11th September 2023 and received 14,915 responses.
Contact Helen Flannery Senior PR Manager helen.flannery@hays.com T: 020 3040 0282 M: 07548 778306
About Hays
Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading specialist in workforce solutions and recruitment, such as RPO and MSP. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany, and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As of 30 June 2024, the Group employed over 11,100 staff operating from 236 offices in 33 countries. For the year ended 30 June 2024:
