Hybrid work arrangements are increasingly shaping how women build and sustain their careers, according to a new report from IWG and reported by Silicon Republic.Â
IWG, which operates in more than 120 countries, surveyed 2,000+ female office workers in the United Kingdom. The findings indicate that flexible working—particularly the ability to work closer to home—can strengthen collaboration, expand professional networks and improve overall job performance.
Two-thirds of respondents said hybrid work has positively influenced their career trajectory. The effect was even stronger among younger professionals, with roughly 80% of millennials and 76% of Gen Z respondents reporting a positive impact.
Access to flexible work environments also appears to increase exposure to leadership. About 62% of respondents said hybrid work had created more opportunities to learn from women in senior roles, a dynamic the report links to stronger productivity and career advancement.
Commutes Still Create Barriers
The report highlights the continued role of commuting as a barrier to career growth and work-life balance.
Nearly 70% of women surveyed said their daily commute reduces time available for personal wellbeing. Another 64% said commuting makes it harder to balance professional responsibilities with other obligations, while 67% reported having less time for family.
These pressures can also affect job performance. More than 60% of respondents said commuting leaves them with less energy and lower productivity, and 56% said it reduces their motivation in the office.
Concerns about long-term career prospects were also tied to commuting demands. Overall, 41% of respondents said commuting negatively affects their future career outlook, rising to 53% among workers aged 18 to 24—an age group often in the earliest stages of professional development.
Flexibility Becoming a Job Requirement
For many women, flexible work policies are now a baseline expectation rather than a workplace perk.
Nearly 80% of survey participants said they would be unlikely to accept a job that does not offer hybrid work options. Only 7% reported that flexibility would have no influence on their decision to take a new role.
Hybrid arrangements also appear to influence retention. Around 73% of respondents said they are more likely to stay with an employer that allows them to reduce commuting time by working closer to home.
The findings suggest flexibility may play an important role in keeping women in the workforce. Almost two-thirds of respondents said hybrid work has allowed them to continue working when caregiving responsibilities might otherwise have forced them to leave their jobs.
Implications for the Future of Work
The report argues that flexible work models create benefits for both employees and employers. When women have access to professional workspaces closer to home and greater control over how they work, organizations gain improved collaboration, stronger engagement and higher retention.
Rigid return-to-office policies could limit access to talent—particularly among women balancing career ambitions with other responsibilities.
