Research from Vitality reveals that hybrid working enhances health and productivity.
- Hybrid workers lose fewer days to illness and formal absences compared to remote or office workers.
- The study highlights lower obesity and better mental health among hybrid workers.
- Hybrid workers show increased engagement with workplace wellbeing programmes.
- Flexibility in work location is key to improving overall employee wellbeing.
Research by Vitality indicates that embracing hybrid work can significantly reduce lost productivity. Hybrid workers experience fewer lost days due to ill health or absenteeism, with a reduction in formal absence days in comparison to those working solely from home or in the office. This balance between remote work and office presence seems to mitigate productivity loss.
Persistent health issues in the UK lead to approximately 50 days of lost productivity per employee annually. In terms of health-related productivity loss, hybrid workers register only 47.8 days, significantly lesser than the 50.8 days for full-time remote workers, and slightly lower than office workers.
In terms of health metrics, hybrid workers report lower obesity rates and demonstrate better mental well-being. Only 20% of hybrid workers are obese, notably lower than the 25.2% obesity rate among those working entirely from home. Additionally, the incidence of musculoskeletal conditions is reduced among hybrid and office workers compared to those working from home.
Mental health is another area where hybrid workers fare better. Only 8.1% of them are at risk of depression, compared to higher percentages in fully remote and office-bound employees. Such flexibility evidently promotes superior mental health outcomes.
Participation in workplace wellbeing and health initiatives is strongly correlated with hybrid working. These workers make the most of their office days to engage with health programmes, achieving greater benefit from both office and home settings. Hybrid employees partake more in physical activities and nutritional programmes, which considerably enhance their productivity.
Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality, has commented on these findings, saying, “Our research highlights the clear evidence that where and how we work can have a significant role in our wellbeing, and ultimately our productivity.” This underscores the necessity of flexibility in work settings to promote health and productivity.
Vitality’s survey involved over 4,700 respondents, assessing productivity loss due to absenteeism and presenteeism. The research offers insight into how work environments impact employee health and productivity, underlining the financial implications of lost productivity.
The findings solidify the connection between hybrid working models, improved employee health, and enhanced productivity.
