The modern workforce is undeniably a hybrid one.
A recent study published by Towergate Health & Protection revealed that an overwhelming 91% of employers currently have employees in hybrid work arrangements — with only 9% of employers saying they have no hybrid workers.
The data, which spans across 500 HR professionals, suggests that flexible work arrangements are the new standard in the workforce, with hybrid arrangements influencing employee engagement and challenging traditional workplace policies.
More specifically, the data reveals 39% of the workforce is operating under this flexible model, and 27% of companies report more than half of their employees are working under this arrangement.
Additionally, 30% of employees now work remotely for at least three days a week. This trend is particularly prominent among the 31-40 age group, while those under 25 and over 60 are less likely to opt for remote work.
Despite the widespread adoption of hybrid work, some employers are encouraging staff to return to the office. According to the report, 98% of companies have implemented various measures to entice employees back to the workplace. These initiatives range from organizing on-site social events and providing free refreshments to offering wellbeing days, in-person counseling, and access to gym facilities. Some employers have even subsidized commuting costs.
As hybrid work arrangements continue to be in a tug-of-war with return to office mandates, balancing employee preferences with business objectives will be a factor for successful attraction and retention efforts this year.