New research from IWG Group reveals that hybrid work can dramatically improve employee well-being

· Four out of five (80%) employees say that hybrid work has led to greater flexibility and control over how they work, which has led to a significant increase in well-being

· The study also shows that more than two-thirds (68%) of employees say that hybrid work has improved their physical health, as they have more time to exercise, prepare a healthy diet and get quality sleep

· Three-quarters (76%) of employees say that commuting five days a week negatively impacts their well-being

· Four out of five (86%) HR managers believe hybrid work is one of the most popular employee benefits right now

July 5, 2024: a new study from flexible working giant IWG Group reveals a clear correlation between the widespread adoption of hybrid work models and improved employee well-being.

The study was initiated by IWG Group, the world's largest provider of hybrid work solutions, under brands including Spaces and Regus. The study examined the impact of hybrid work on the mental and physical well-being of 1,000 office workers.

Four out of five (80%) employees say their overall well-being has improved significantly as a result of the greater flexibility of hybrid work. With the spread of hybrid work around the world, more and more employees are able to split their working time between their local flexible office space, corporate headquarters and their own residences, which greatly reduces their commuting costs and helps employees better invest their time in their own well-being.

Sixty-eight percent of employees say that hybrid work has led to a significant improvement in their physical well-being – whether it's more energy for physical activity (54%), higher sleep quality and more consistent sleep patterns (68%), or more time for healthy eating (58%), flexible working supports employees in every way.

The report further supports IWG Group's earlier research**, which found that hybrid workers are getting an average of 4.7 hours of exercise per week as hybrid work becomes more prevalent post-pandemic, a significant increase from 3.4 hours before the pandemic, and that they get 71 hours of extra sleep per year, or 6 hours of extra sleep each month.

In addition to hybrid work, many companies are now offering additional benefits to encourage employees to exercise to promote physical fitness. For example, 17% of employees said they had a discounted gym membership, while 28% had the opportunity to ride to work.

With more flexibility in when, where and how they work, nearly nine in ten (86%) employees say hybrid work has led to a better work-life balance, and more than three-quarters (78%) say their overall stress levels have decreased – all contributing to a happier, healthier work team. Four out of five (81%) employees report that their mental health has improved effectively since switching to a hybrid work model.

In addition to hybrid employees, HR managers have also given quite positive comments about the hybrid work model. According to IWG Group's May 2024 HR Leaders and Hybrid Work report, 86% of HR leaders say hybrid work is one of the most needed benefits for employees, with close to the same proportion (85%) saying that hybrid work is an effective way for businesses to retain talent***. They are also optimistic about the broader benefits of hybrid work for employee well-being, with 88% of leaders believing it is beneficial for employees' mental health.

Given the positive impact of hybrid work on all aspects of the workforce, three-quarters (76%) of employees say it would be detrimental to their health if they had to commute five days a week to a fixed central office. Research also confirms that employees working in a central office five days a week can affect business productivity. Three-quarters (74%) of employees say they are more productive when working in a hybrid work model, while a similar percentage (76%) say they are more motivated as a result. In addition, 85% of employees say that hybrid work has actually increased their job satisfaction.

Four out of five (86%) HR leaders also say hybrid work is one of the most popular employee benefits right now, and say it increases employee productivity (85%).

This view is echoed by a study led earlier this year by the Bank of England, Stanford University, King's College London and the University of Nottingham, led by renowned economist and scholar Nick Bloom. The study found that for every day employees worked in a hybrid work model, the company's productivity increased by about US$19,000 (about 138,000 yuan).

IWG Group is the world's largest provider of hybrid work solutions, with brands including Spaces and Regus. Last year, IWG Group added 867 new locations around the world to meet the growing demand for hybrid work.

Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG Group, said: "The hybrid work model is a win-win for both employees and employers. Hybrid work benefits employees' wellbeing, allowing them to better balance office and home, work and life, while also helping employers be more competitive when recruiting and retaining top talent. From improving sleep quality to increasing exercise time, this latest study from IWG Group highlights the benefits of hybrid work for employee well-being, and confirms that more flexible working patterns and shorter commutes allow employees to better focus on improving their physical and mental health. ”

Editor's note

*Mortar Research conducted a survey of 1,026 hybrid workers based in the UK in May 2024. The survey sample is nationally representative in terms of region and gender. Mortar Research is accredited by the Market Research Society (MRS) and the survey complies with MRS guidelines.

**Mortar Research surveyed 2,000 employees in February 2023 who commuted to a central office five days a week before switching to hybrid work. The survey sample is nationally representative in terms of region and gender. Mortar Research is accredited by the Market Research Society (MRS) and the survey complies with MRS guidelines.

The IWG U.S. HR Leaders & Hybrid Work Report, conducted by market research agency Censuswide, surveyed 500 full-time HR managers/leaders and hybrid workers over the age of 18 in the U.S. between April 4 and 10, 2024.

About IWG Group:

As the world's leading creator of hybrid work solutions and one of the world's largest office space operators, IWG Group is committed to providing people-centric, economic and strategic value services to businesses of all sizes. Whether it's a world-renowned company or organization, or a new generation of industry leaders and individuals, IWG Group's hybrid work model can boost their productivity, organizational efficiency and agility, as well as proximity to their target markets.

The IWG Group's strong network now covers more than 120 countries and regions around the world, with around 3,500 flexible office centers. With 83% of the world's top 500 companies currently choosing IWG, our customer base continues to grow.

IWG helps millions of people and their businesses work more efficiently through its brands Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature. With IWG Group's mobile app, we have created a hybrid office platform that offers a professional, inspiring and collaborative workspace, as well as a range of digital services.

Today, IWG Group has been operating successfully in China for 28 years, operating more than 120 flexible office centers in 31 cities across the country, covering a wide range of products and services. In the future, IWG Group will actively cooperate with local partners to explore the infinite possibilities of the future of workplaces and workspaces in China, and continue to bring more brands and products to the Chinese market, fulfilling our long-term commitment to the development of the Chinese market.