A survey of more than 1,000 UK employees has revealed that almost three in four (70%) believe a hybrid working model results in personal benefits, with 34% saying it would improve their mental health.
Conducted by workplace platform Envoy, the UK return to the workplace report examined employee attitudes on going back to the office one year after the pandemic led to widespread remote working.
While 59% of respondents said they were worried about returning to the office, human interaction and seeing friends was reported as being a major factor (50%) influencing the desire to return to work.
An additional 59% remain concerned about the health and safety risks posed by a return to the office but are keen to do so in some capacity, with a flexible and hybrid working model as the preferred solution.
The findings also highlighted that 41% of respondents stated a hybrid working model would benefit their work-life balance, with more than half (55%) saying they would look for another job if their employer didn’t offer this sort of arrangement. The preference for hybrid working varies in different age groups, with 78% of people classed as being in Generation Z stating they would choose to leave, compared to 23% of those considered Boomers.
Larry Gadea, founder and CEO at Envoy, believes the findings highlight that employees want the flexibility to return to the workplace and are keen to regain work-life balance.
He said: “Companies that want to see employees return with confidence will need to not only create a safe environment but empower employees to collaborate in-person at a schedule that works for them. Supporting employees to do their best work will look different in every company. In any scenario, companies will need insight into who, when, and how people use their workplaces.”