74% of employers now offer hybrid work arrangements, according to a recent survey from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
Separately, the World Economic Forum found that 68% of people prefer hybrid work, versus 28% wanting to work full-time from home. It also found that only eight percent want to work full-time in the workplace.
If you were previously skeptical of offering a flexible work policy, these are pretty convincing statistics.
Why is hybrid work popular?
Sue Cicco, head of human resources and employee experience for MassMutual, there is “balance of spending time in-person and working virtually.” It also offers a greater level of accessibility and that all-important work/life balance.
Choosing hybrid rather than a fully remote arrangement may work better for companies who prefer to maintain in-person connections.
“It’s often the fluid conversations, sidebars, and bump-ins that come from being in-person that can lead to the best solutions,” added Cicco.
“In addition, we know that professional networks and mentoring relationships are important in the workplace. This is especially important for those early in their careers, whose first job may have been at their kitchen table instead of in an office due to the pandemic.”
A lot changed after the onset of the pandemic, and having tried different ways of working, it’s clear that the majority of workers want to maintain flexibility going forward.
