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Hybrid working found to create healthier workforces

A new study has discovered that hybrid working leads to a healthier workforce. This is due to workers having more time to exercise, sleep, and make healthy eating choices.

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Hybrid working found to create healthier workforces

A new study has discovered that hybrid working leads to a healthier workforce. This is due to workers having more time to exercise, sleep, and make healthy eating choices.

The research conducted by IWG, the world’s leading operator of flexible workspaces, investigated more than 2000 hybrid workers working habits.

The data has revealed that the time saved by less commuting has led to multiple health and well-being benefits. This includes weight loss, better cooking behaviours, improved mental health and a longer night’s sleep.

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    How has hybrid working led to a healthier workforce?

    Hybrid workers on average get 4.7 hours of exercise a week. This is a change from the 3.4 hours before the pandemic. The study found that the most common kinds of exercise are walking, running and strength training.

    They are also sleeping 71 extra hours a year. That’s a whole 3 days’ worth of sleep more than before.

    Hybrid working also allows workers to prepare a healthier breakfast with 70% saying they had more time to do so. They also said that they had more time to spend cooking nutritious meals during the week (54%).

    The study also found that workers eat more fresh fruit and vegetables (46% and 44%). With 20% eating more fish. Eating sweets was also cut by a quarter compared to before the pandemic.

    To add to this positive outcome, these collectively healthier ways of living have seen more than a quarter of workers saying they’ve lost weight since the start of the pandemic.

    a hybrid workers works happily at home

    Working from home and the demand for workspaces

    IWG includes brands Spaces and Regus. They have partnered with Dr Sara Kayat, a passionate NHS GP. She believes hybrid working can help free up time so workers can lead a healthier lifestyle.

    Hybrid working has reduced workers’ commutes greatly. There has been an increase in office workers spending time between home, local workspaces and city centre HQs.

    In 2022 the demand for workspaces outside of city centres grew by 36%. More people wanted to work closer to home in their local communities.

    This movement shows no sign of reducing in 2023. In January IWG’s office footfall numbers showed that attendance at many regional cities, suburban and rural locations has grown drastically year-on-year.

    London city centre offices

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    Hybrid working and productivity

    Hybrid working is also creating productivity increases. The study found that 79% of workers have been more productive since pre-pandemic. This is because of less work-related stress (47%) and more time to relax after work (46%).

    The shift in hybrid working has resulted in many workers saying their mental health is good. Two-thirds (66%) said they were happy with their mental health. 81% say they have more personal time compared to pre-pandemic times.

    Most of these workers spend their extra time supporting their health and well-being by spending time with family and friends (55%).

    With others saying they use the time to exercise (52%) or take a short walk during the day (67%). These all have a positive effect on mental health.

    a man notes down his productivity list working from home

    HR employer advice and support with Employer’s Direct

    Hybrid working has seen a positive effect on employees. This has been represented in IWG’s data. As an employer, it could help productivity among your staff and better employee retention. If you’re thinking about implementing hybrid working or need help with employee working contracts, we can help.

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    FAQs

    We’re here to answer any questions you might have with expert ease.

    Hybrid working is where an employee splits their working time between the workplace and remote working.

    Sectors that work in the office benefit from hybrid working the most. Some sectors cannot work from home and therefore cannot work hybrid.

    Benefits for employers include savings on office space, higher levels of employee job satisfaction and reduced absence rates.

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