According to a new study from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), 82% of SMEs anticipate that over a quarter of their employees will work remotely most of the time after the pandemic has ended.

While remote working is often synonymous with being at home, it can also mean working out of a local working space or coffee shop.

However, moving towards more flexible work policies doesn’t mean that the office will no longer be necessary. On the contrary, it will still be key to conducting collaborative meetings and staying connected with colleagues.

This is good news for those who have experienced the downsides of strictly working from home throughout the pandemic. Many people do not have the resources, tools or privacy to conduct business efficiently at home, and that can be incredibly stress-inducing.

“If you’ve ever experienced a day filled with interrupted and inefficient calls it can feel exhausting,” said Jesper Kock, Vice President of Research and Development at audio solutions leader EPOS. “This is because the brain is wasting unnecessary energy and cognitive capacity to focus on the relevant and desired sound.”

The survey found that over half of SMEs are expecting company budgets to shift away from physical offices and towards accommodating a better employee experience. That could mean improved technology to make work easier, wellness amenities and more.

Using this type of hybrid work arrangement allows employees to reap the benefits of working inside and outside of the office. It means that companies can better meet sustainability goals, while also helping workers achieve a healthier work-life balance.