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Hybrid working arrangements have drastically improved the overall health of employees, according to research from IWG.
A study of 2,000 hybrid workers by the flexible workspace operator found the average hybrid worker exercises for 4.7 hours per week, up from 3.4 pre-pandemic, and sleeps for an extra 71 hours, or three days, per year.
Additionally, 70 per cent report having greater time to prepare healthier breakfasts, while 54 per cent say they can make more nutritious meals throughout the week. Workers who fluctuate between home and the office are eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, and 20 per cent are consuming more fish.
Since the pandemic began, one-quarter of workers have also cut their intake of sweets.
Dr Sara Kayat, who partnered with IWG for the research program, insisted that “there is no doubt that hybrid working has facilitated some major health benefits.”
“A balanced diet, physical activity, and good quality sleep are the bedrocks of a healthy lifestyle, and this data suggests that each is more widespread due to the extra time afforded by a hybrid working model.”
Ratifying her position, the data also pointed to 27 per cent of workers reporting weight loss since the beginning of the pandemic, with 23 per cent stating they’ve lost in excess of 10 kilogrammes.
According to IWG, an increased time for exercise and more time to cook healthy meals were noted by 65 per cent and 54 per cent of respondents respectively as primary drivers of this weight loss regime.
However, hybrid working has not only improved the overall health of employees but also their professional performance. According to IWG, just under 80 per cent saw their productivity has increased since the pre-pandemic, with 46 per cent reporting less work-related stress and 46 per cent citing having more time to relax and unwind at day’s end.
From a mental health perspective, 66 per cent feel the shift to hybrid working has aided their mental health, while 81 per cent reported utilising their additional personal time towards activities that have positive knock-on effects on their mental health.
Mark Dixon, IWG’s chief executive officer, explained the study “confirms what we have been seeing for a while now. Hybrid working is building and maintaining a healthier and happier workforce by reducing the needs for long, daily commutes.”
“Offering hybrid working is such an important and easy way for businesses to put their employees first by freeing up their time and giving them greater control over their schedules,” he said.
Mr Dixon concluded that companies adopting this strategy are “not only seeing healthier and happier workforces, but more engaged and productive teams.”
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