New study from International Workplace Group reveals hybrid work significantly improves workers’ wellbeing

11 June 2024: A new study by International Workplace Group has revealed a clear correlation between the adoption of hybrid working policies and improved employee wellbeing. ​

Research carried out by the world’s largest provider of hybrid working solutions with brands including Spaces and Regus examined the impact that hybrid working has had on the mental and physical health of 1,000 hybrid workers

Four in five (80%) said that their overall well-being had significantly improved due to the greater flexibility offered by hybrid working. The widespread uptake of hybrid working globally has seen increasing numbers of workers splitting their time between a local workspace, home and a city centre HQ, which has dramatically reduced time spent commuting and enabled a greater focus on wellbeing amongst workers that were previously not able to prioritise their health in the same way. ​ ​ 

68% said their physical health has improved due to hybrid work, with benefits including being able to do more physical exercise (54%) and taking time for healthier meal preparation (58%). ​ Hybrid workers also felt better rested (80%) as they enjoyed significantly better quality and more consistent sleep patterns (68%).

This study further supports previous research** by International Workplace Group that found that the average hybrid worker is now getting 4.7 hours of exercise a week, compared to 3.4 hours before the pandemic, and an extra 71 hours of sleep per year, or almost 6 hours per month.

Many businesses are complementing the physical health benefits offered by hybrid working with benefits and schemes which promote increased exercise.

With more flexibility over when, where and how they work, almost nine in 10 (86%) workers say hybrid working has led to a better work-life balance, while over three quarters (78%) felt an overall reduction in their stress levels. These factors have contributed to a happier, healthier workforce, with four in five (81%) workers reporting improved mental health since moving to a hybrid model.

Not only are employees reporting the numerous well-being benefits of hybrid working, but HR leaders are equally positive about their impact. International Workplace Group’s HR Leaders and Hybrid Working report published in May 2024 revealed that 86% of HR leaders said the model is one of the most in-demand wellness benefits among their employees, and nearly the same amount (85%) said hybrid work is an effective retention tool. HR leaders were equally positive about the wider well-being benefits of hybrid working, with 88% saying the model was beneficial to employees’ mental health.

Given the positive impact of hybrid working on workers’ mental and physical health, it is unsurprising that three-quarters (76%) said returning to a central office five days a week would negatively affect their well-being. 

The study also suggests this could impact business productivity. Three-quarters (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 reporting that it increases employee productivity (85%).

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 the growing demand for hybrid working. ​ ​ 

Mark Dixon, International Workplace Group CEO, said, "Hybrid working is a win-win for both employees and employers. The balance that hybrid working offers—between office and home and work and life—supports employee well-being and helps employers stay competitive when recruiting and retaining strong talent.

This research highlights a whole host of employee health benefits, from better sleep to more time for exercise. More flexibility in working patterns and reduced commuting time have enabled workers to focus on improving their physical and mental health. “

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Notes to editors

*Research among 1,026 participants in May 2024 by Mortar Research. The survey polled office workers who now work in a hybrid style. ​ The sample was nationally representative of region and gender. Mortar Research is Market Research Society (MRS) accredited and the research adhered to MRS guidelines. 

** Research among 2,000 participants in February 2023 by Mortar Research. The survey polled office workers who worked in central city offices five days a week before the pandemic but who now work in a hybrid style. ​ The sample was nationally representative of region and gender. Mortar Research is Market Research Society (MRS) accredited and the research adhered to MRS guidelines.

About International Workplace Group PLC

International Workplace Group is the global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. We create personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size, from some of the most exciting companies and well-known organizations on the planet to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. All of them harness the power of International Workplace Group’s hybrid working platform to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity. ​ ​ 

International Workplace Group’s unrivalled network coverage includes approximately 4,000 locations across more than 120 countries, and 83% of Fortune 500 companies are amongst our growing customer base. ​ ​ 

Through our brands, including Regus, Spaces, HQ, and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses work more productively. We do so by providing the world’s leading hybrid work platform with professional, inspiring, and collaborative workspaces and digital services, all available via the International Workplace Group app. ​ ​ 

For more information visit www.iwgplc.com