The global workforce is favoring hybrid work environments. According to a detailed report titled “Is hybrid really working? Creating a dynamic workplace for a productive workforce,” published by commercial real estate and investment firm JLL, most employees around the world are now spending just over three days in the office on average.
JLL’s findings are based on feedback from over 200 Corporate Real Estate decision-makers and a year-long survey of more than 20,000 office workers. The survey’s data reveals that peak office attendance is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
The data also reveals that hybrid work varies across regions — with employees in the U.S. and U.K. averaging two days in the office, while those in South Korea, China, and India spend over four days on average. The report states that these regional differences are attributed to cultural nuances, living arrangements, and other structural factors.
The majority of international organizations, or 87%, are encouraging office attendance at least part of the time. According to JLL, only 20% of employees work fully remotely or up to two days in the office, which is reported to be down from 39% a year ago. This change reflects the growing expectation from employers around the world for more in-office work. A gradual increase in office attendance is estimated for the remainder of 2023, according to the report.
JLL’s study cites how the office is increasingly being seen as a vital contributor to employee productivity, collaboration, and social connections. Factors like new office technology and improved office amenities were also found to be important in attracting employees back to the physical office. However, challenges such as commuting, noise, and lack of privacy remain barriers to office work.
The data suggests that the hybrid work model is becoming the preferred way to work and collaborate around the world, with companies adapting their strategies to balance cost management and employee experience. The successful integration of this work environment could depend on how well companies can create unique spaces that satisfy expectations for collaboration and the demands for more flexibility from the workforce.
