Hybrid workers are more likely than colleagues to report poor mental health

Hybrid workers are the group most likely to say that work has a negative toll on their mental health, according to a new survey from Pluxee UK. Two-fifths (42 percent) of hybrid workers reported that work negatively affects their mental wellbeing, compared to 32 percent of fully remote and 30 percent of fully office-based employees. The report claims thatits  findings highlight that while hybrid working offers flexibility, it requires thoughtful support to ensure employee wellbeing and work-life balance.

As hybrid working becomes increasingly common across organisations, the report suggests that workers appear to struggle with establishing healthy routines between home and office, impacting both their mental and physical health. Two fifths of hybrid workers (41 percent) admitted to skipping exercise due to work fatigue, significantly higher than fully remote (29 percent) or office-based (31 percent) workers.

Longer work hours also appear to disproportionately impact hybrid workers, with 26 percent reporting skipping exercise due to this factor, compared to only 18 percent of fully remote workers. Mental health for hybrid workers is also negatively impacted, with less than half (47 percent) having good energy levels and burnout, and over a third (36 percent) struggling to focus and concentrate at work.

“Hybrid working offers fantastic flexibility, but it’s clear that employees need the right support to truly thrive in this environment,” says Tom Nash, HR Business Partner at Pluxee UK. “The key is to provide tailored benefits and resources that address the specific needs of hybrid workers.

“With 41 percent skipping exercise due to fatigue and 26 percent missing workouts because of longer hours, we’re witnessing a concerning trend that could have long-lasting impacts on employee health. Leaders must take proactive steps to monitor and actively promote healthy behaviours tailored to the hybrid work model. It’s important that we safeguard both physical and mental wellbeing, regardless of work arrangement. The flexibility of hybrid work should enhance, not compromise, our workforce’s overall health.”

The survey also highlights what it says are significant generational differences in mental wellbeing support. Less than a quarter (15 percent) of Baby Boomer employees are provided with mental wellbeing benefits, compared to 31 percent of Gen Z employees. Over a quarter of Gen Z employees (37 percent) feel more comfortable talking about mental health at work because of their employer’s support, compared to only 20 percent of Baby Boomers. What’s more, 54 percent of Gen Z workers agree that their employer’s focus on wellbeing has contributed to a more positive work environment, compared to only 24 percent of Baby Boomers.

These disparities contribute to negative perceptions of mental health support in the workplace, particularly among Baby Boomers. Only 12 percent of Baby Boomers feel that their employer prioritises mental wellbeing over physical wellbeing support, while 37 percent of Gen Z employees share this viewpoint.

Nash continues: “The fact that less than a quarter of Baby Boomers feel their employer’s focus on wellbeing creates a positive work environment is a stark reminder of how much work we have ahead. It’s time for a radical shift in how we approach mental health support in the workplace—one that’s inclusive, comprehensive, and responsive to the needs of all employees, regardless of age or work arrangement.”