A recent survey reveals the mental health challenges faced by hybrid workers.
- 42% of hybrid workers report work negatively affects their mental wellbeing.
- Hybrid working, while flexible, demands better support for employees.
- Generational differences impact perceptions of workplace mental health support.
- There is an urgent need for tailored wellbeing initiatives across all work arrangements.
A new survey by leading employee benefits and engagement partner, Pluxee UK, highlights the mental health challenges faced by hybrid workers. According to the findings, 42% of hybrid workers report that work negatively affects their mental wellbeing, a stark contrast to 32% of fully remote and 30% of fully office-based employees. This data underscores the need for comprehensive support systems tailored to the unique demands of hybrid working environments.
While hybrid working offers considerable flexibility, it is evident that maintaining work-life balance can be challenging without adequate support. Employees struggle to establish healthy routines balancing home and office responsibilities, often leading to negative impacts on both mental and physical health. Two fifths of hybrid workers, or 41%, admit to skipping exercise due to work fatigue, a significantly higher rate compared to their fully remote or office-based counterparts.
The study also reveals that longer working hours contribute to the challenges faced by hybrid workers. 26% report skipping exercise due to extended work hours, a figure notably higher than the 18% reported by fully remote employees. Such trends indicate the pressing need for organisations to implement strategies that promote healthy behaviours for all employees, especially those in hybrid roles.
Tom Nash, HR Business Partner at Pluxee UK, comments on the findings, emphasizing the importance of providing tailored benefits and resources for hybrid workers. He states, “Hybrid working offers fantastic flexibility, but it’s clear that employees need the right support to truly thrive in this environment.” Nash further highlights the concerning trend of skipping exercise due to fatigue and overworking, which could have long-term impacts on employee health.
Generational differences also emerge in the survey, affecting perceptions of mental health support in the workplace. Less than a quarter, or 15%, of Baby Boomer employees are provided with mental wellbeing benefits, compared to 31% of Gen Z employees. Furthermore, 37% of Gen Z workers feel more comfortable discussing mental health at work, attributing this to their employer’s supportive environment, whereas only 20% of Baby Boomers share this sentiment.
A comprehensive, inclusive approach to mental health support is crucial for improving workplace wellbeing across all generations and work arrangements.
