Hybrid working: What do workers enjoy most about working from home?

News

  • COVID-19,
  • Future of work,
  • Workplace

16 June 2021

Hybrid

When the national lockdown commenced in March 2020, millions of traditionally office-based workers who were forced to work from home – often for the first time - were exposed to a variety of benefits associated with remote working. Now that many employers are moving towards hybrid working models that combine working from both home and the office (and perhaps other locations), it is important to understand what office workers want to retain from their experiences over the past year. So, what is it that workers enjoy most about working from home?

According to the third phase of our ‘Returning to the workplace’ time-series research, which surveyed UK office workers in March 2021, the most valued benefits were spending less time commuting (47%) and saving money on costs associated with attending the office, such as commuting and lunches (39%). Not far behind, 35% of workers enjoyed the flexible hours, whilst 33% benefitted from having more time for personal activities. The theme of flexibility is further emphasised by the fact that 33% of workers find it easier to take a lunch break at home, with a similar percentage (32%) benefitting from having the flexibility to juggle their work and home life.

However, it was not just flexibility that workers enjoy about working from home. Having more time to focus with fewer interruptions proved attractive to 28% of workers. In line with this, 20% felt that having fewer unnecessary meetings was also a significant benefit.

The flexibility associated with remote working has its social benefits, too, as 30% appreciated having more time with family and friends. Being able to exercise more often/easily, whether alone or with others, was also a benefit for 23%, aiding a better work/life balance in the process.

IWFM’s Chris Moriarty, Director of Insight and Engagement, recently stated: ‘Hybrid working will give employees and employers flexibility to work in a way that is best suited to them - allowing them to reap the productivity and social benefits of both home and office working environments, how and when it best suits their needs.’

Although the statistics above should provide good insight into general attitudes, nothing beats direct engagement; it is key critical to consult your people when devising a hybrid working strategy and ensure you meet their needs, as well as the organisation’s.

If you would like some help with creating your hybrid working strategy, please visit our ‘Creating better workplaces’ hub in partnership with Ricoh for relevant guidance and resources.