'For employers, they have a more productive workforce and are able to attract and retain the top talent'
While many employers have called on the workers to report back to the office a few days each week, they may want to rethink having workers at their office desks for a full workweek.
That’s because 70% of hybrid workers believe returning to a central office five days a week would negatively affect their wellbeing, reports International Workplace Group (IWG).
Also, 72% of workers say they are more productive when working in a hybrid model, while 61% report being more motivated. A majority (84%) of employees say that hybrid work has improved their job satisfaction.
Productive working hours by professionals across the world went up in 2024, according to a previous report.
"Hybrid working offers a balanced approach between office and home, work and life,” says Terri Pozniak, EVP, country manager Canada, IWG. “By embracing a flexible working model, the lives of employees are significantly improved. For employers, they have a more productive workforce and are able to attract and retain the top talent, which ultimately drives an organizations competitiveness in the market."
A previous report noted that the federal government failed to meet its target when it came to the return-to-office (RTO) policy in the first month of the full implementation of the rule.
There is a strong connection between hybrid work arrangements and improved employee wellbeing, according to IWG’s survey of more than 1,000 hybrid workers.
Overall, 70% say their overall wellbeing had significantly improved due to the greater flexibility offered by hybrid working.
Sixty-four percent say their physical health has improved due to hybrid work, with benefits including:
Also, the average hybrid worker is now getting 3.9 hours of exercise a week, compared to 3.2 hours before the pandemic, and an extra 73 hours of sleep per year, or just over 6 hours per month.
"Amid the wave of New Year's resolutions geared towards a healthier lifestyle, the flexibility in work arrangements and reduced commuting time allows individuals to prioritize their physical and mental well-being,” says Pozniak. “With improved sleep patterns and more opportunities for physical exercise, embracing hybrid working is not just a strategic business move but a significant step towards fostering a healthier and happier work environment."
The number of Canadians who are working from home most of the time seems to continue to drop, based on numbers previously published by Statistics Canada (StatCan).
