Hybrid working improves self-reported wellbeing and productivity

Hybrid working improves employee health and wellbeing, reduces stress, and boosts productivity, according to a new study by flexible office provider International Workplace Group. The research, which surveyed more than 2,000 hybrid workers, found that 34 percent reported taking fewer sick days since gaining flexibility over how and where they work. The findings suggest that hybrid work enables better overall health management. More than seven in ten respondents (71 percent) said flexible arrangements allow them to prioritise preventative healthcare, such as regular screenings and check-ups, while 69 percent said they can better manage existing health conditions. The reduction in stress-related illnesses was also significant, with 68 percent of hybrid workers reporting fewer symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and tension-related pain.

The study highlights the broader benefits of hybrid working beyond just health. Nearly four in five employees (79 percent) said their work-life balance had improved, leading to reduced feelings of anxiety. One of the key contributing factors is a reduction in long daily commutes, which 80 percent of respondents said helped lower their stress levels. This extra time allows employees to rest more, engage in physical activity, and spend quality time with family—factors that all contribute to overall wellbeing.

The research comes amid growing concerns about the economic impact of long-term sickness. Recent reports indicate that rising sick days are costing businesses and the UK economy billions annually, with long-term sickness contributing to a £33 billion hit to productivity. Without intervention, that figure could double by the end of the decade.

Despite lingering concerns among some business leaders about flexible working, the study found that three in four CEOs believe hybrid work has led to improved productivity in the workplace. With fewer sick days, lower stress levels, and greater access to preventative healthcare, the evidence suggests that hybrid working may play a key role in creating a healthier, more engaged, and more productive workforce.

Image: Mandy Rice Davies at Schiphol Airport in 1964. Joop van Bilsen