Hybrid working reduces burnout

Here's another reason to allow employees to work from home at least some days of the week: new research has found that most workers who have shifted to a hybrid model that it has helped them to greatly reduce burnout.

The study of more than 1,000 hybrid workers by International Workplace Group found that three quarters reported a dramatic reduction in burnout symptoms - defined as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplaces stress - since changing over to a hybrid model.

Said Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group: "By enabling teams to work in the hybrid model, companies are providing their people with a greatly improved work-life balance where they are empowered to decide where they work. "By providing access to local workspaces close to where people live, employees no longer have to commute for long periods daily and this is the greatest thing they can do boost wellbeing and prevent burnout."

The researchers found that 72 percent of the workforce experienced burnout before moving to a hybrid working model, where most split their time between a central office, local flexible coworking spaces and home. This means workers don't have to undertake lengthy daily commutes, leaving more time to focus on their wellbeing.

According to the study, this increase in free time has led to a better work-life balance (86 percent), more physical exercise (54 percent), healthier meal prep (58 percent) and better quality of sleep (68 percent) - all of which contributes to a diminished risk of burnout. Overall, more than two thirds said their physical health had improved due to hybrid working.

Workers also reported feeling less drained (79 percent), less stressed (78 percent) and less anxious (72 percent), with an overwhelming 86 percent saying they felt like they could cope with day-to-day life better when working in a flexible model.

Despite living in one of the most expensive cities in terms of cost of living, Hongkongers rate work-life balance above salary and benefits: 85 percent of Hongkongers believe that flexible work arrangements increase employee happiness, compared with only 71 percent who rated salaries and benefits higher, according to the Randstad Hong Kong 2023 Employer Brand Research Report.

Given the positive impact of hybrid working on workers' mental and physical health, it is perhaps unsurprising that three quarters said returning to a central office five days a week would negatively affect their wellbeing. Move than half actually would consider quitting their jobs if their employers require them to work longer hours in the office - 14 percent higher than the global average.

Moreover, 55 percent of Generation Z employees who have grown accustomed to hybrid working mode since the pandemic, would likely resist a return to mandatory office work, which would require major lifestyle adjustments.

The study also suggests it could impact business productivity. Close to three quarters of workers said they were more productive when working in a hybrid model, while a similar number reported being more motivated. In fact, 85 percent of employees said that hybrid work had actually improved their job satisfaction.

Human resource leaders' views support this. According to Randstad Hong Kong Workmonitor 2024 Rethinking Ambition survey, four in five stated that hybrid work is now one of the most in-demand employee wellness benefits, and report that it increases employee productivity (85 percent).

This reflects research undertaken this year by The Bank of England, Stanford University, King's College London and Nottingham University, led by renowned economist and academic Nick Bloom.

It found that for every day a firm's employee worked in a hybrid model, that firm's productivity is around US$19,000 (HK$148,200) higher.

"The global shift to hybrid working is not only bringing strong productivity and financial advantages to companies and work-life balance improvements to employees, but significant health benefits too - physically, mentally and holistically," said Dixon.

"Companies need to take note that not only will they have a happier, healthier workforce when they allow people to work flexibly, but people actually feel more productive and motivated."

ivy.ong@singtaonewscorp.com

(By Ivy Ong-Wood)