Hybrid working businesses say they are more optimistic about their future profitability

A new poll from flexible office provider International Workplace Group (IWG) claims that businesses operating with a hybrid working model are significantly more optimistic about growth in the year ahead than those which do not offer employees flexibility about where they work. This follows a spate of so-called return-to-office-mandates from major corporates including Amazon and WPP. A study of more than 500 CEOs and senior business leaders by  found that 69 percent of businesses offering hybrid working had a positive outlook for 2025 compared to 44 percent of non-hybrid companies.

IWG claims that Flexible working has allowed many businesses to cut overheads by reducing traditional office space and taking advantage of flexible solutions that offer localised workspaces. Like the ones they provide. More than three quarters (77 percent) of flexible businesses reported cost savings and 55 percent say hybrid working is incredibly helpful in mitigating pressures like rising National Insurance contributions.

IWG also suggests that business confidence in the UK continues to flag. In December, The IOD reported the lowest levels of business confidence since the pandemic. IWG’s claims that its poll data indicates that businesses who  adopt hybrid working enthusiastically are significantly more optimistic than most. Around 58 percent of hybrid businesses reported feeling more positive about the British economy than they did a year ago, compared to just 30 percent of non-flexible businesses.

IWG also claims that flexible working models are also driving productivity and talent retention. According to its polling, 69 percent of flexible businesses report improved productivity in their workforces, and the same percentage believe their policies have enhanced their ability to attract and retain top talent. This is supported by Stanford academic Professor Nicholas Bloom’s recently published study which found that hybrid working improved job satisfaction and reduced quit rates by one-third (33 percent), without damaging productivity.