- A study published in Nature journal found that hybrid work increases job satisfaction.
- The productivity loss in hybrid work was minimal.
- Hybrid working promotes employee health and also benefits businesses such as cafes and gyms.
One of the biggest debates in the post-pandemic era is whether hybrid work is the best of both worlds, or the worst of them all.
Proponents of hybrid work say it helps improve work-life balance and makes people more engaged at work. Research has also shown that hybrid work increases female labor force participation. But employers worry that hybrid work will make employees less productive and collaborative.
A new study published in the journal Nature may put that debate to rest. This suggests that productivity concerns are negligible and that hybrid working could be an ideal environment for workers.
The study followed more than 1,600 employees from Chinese travel agency Trip.com over two years: one group worked five days a week in the office, and the other three days a week in the office and two days at home.
The latter group experienced increased job satisfaction. These employees also experienced a one-third drop in turnover, with the effects being particularly pronounced among non-managerial employees, women, and those with long commutes.
There were few drawbacks: The study found that hybrid work had no measurable impact on employee performance or productivity. Managers were also more supportive of hybrid work after participating in the study.
The authors concluded that hybrid working can increase corporate profits by reducing turnover, “estimated to cost roughly 50% of an individual's annual salary,” and also “provide significant benefits to society by providing valuable amenities for employees, such as reduced commute times and easier childcare.”
It will also benefit businesses such as cafes, bars, gyms and hairdressers. Increased revenues from the work-from-home economy.
