Canva
Do you work a regular 9-5, Monday-Friday in-office job? That could put you in the minority in 2025. In this post-pandemic workplace landscape, it’s the norm for many to work from home or have some form of hybrid working. But is it good for you?
Australian Hybrid Workers Survey by International Workplace Group (IWG) found that 79 per cent of Australian hybrid workers reported improved work-life balance.
But is this good for workplace culture? Are we missing out on the “water cooler chats” and creative brainstorming sessions? Let’s dive in.
What is hybrid working?
Hybrid working is a flexible work arrangement that allows employees to split their time between working remotely (such as from home or a coworking space) and working in a traditional office setting.
It gives workers greater autonomy over their schedules while still maintaining in-person collaboration when needed.
There are plenty of variations of “hybrid working”. The two main types that show up on job descriptions and workplace how-tos are fixed and flexible.
Fixed hybrid working is when employees work specific weekdays in the office and the rest of the time they work remotely. Flexible hybrid working is when employees choose when they are in the office and when they are not. Of course, employers often consider specific employees’ needs.
Is hybrid working good for business?
Well, just think, if hybrid working wasn’t good for business, most office-based businesses would have completely closed during the pandemic. However, people rallied. We were creative and agile and crafted a new way of working that suited the world’s newfound circumstances.
Many businesses have reported that hybrid work leads to higher productivity. Employees can focus better without office distractions, and they are less likely to take sick days. IWG’s study found that 75 per cent of CEOs believe hybrid work has improved workplace productivity. Additionally, a survey by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) found that approximately 45 per cent of employers believe hybrid work positively impacts productivity, while only 11 per cent think it hampers performance.
Hybrid working can lead to lower operational costs. For instance, money spent on office space or utilities by allowing employees to work remotely part of the time. Some companies have even downsized their office spaces or moved to coworking environments, reducing rental costs.
In addition, many employees are looking for hybrid opportunities. A great way to retain and attract high-quality employees is by offering that flexibility. Without it, it can be a dealbreaker for many job seekers — in particular, parents and grandparents. The AHRI survey also noted that 62 per cent of organisations recognised better staff retention rates as a benefit of hybrid working, and 61 per cent saw a greater ability to attract candidates. Plus, it can also be an easier concept to digest than the popular “four-day work week“.
Is hybrid working good for individuals?
What’s good for one person might not be the best for another. However, there’s a reason most of us adore going home. It’s not only where our stuff is, it’s where (for many of us) our loved ones (including our pets) are. Hybrid working allows people to add more flexibility in their work lives to make their home lives a little less stressful. You can be at home to let in plumbers and electricians, to keep an eye on your pets, or to be there for your children or grandchildren, and even to put on a clothes washing (or two) without causing major disruption to your work.
Furthermore, IWG’s research also shows that 36 per cent of hybrid workers take fewer sick days. This could be because, thanks to avoiding public transport and exposure to germs and viruses in the office, they aren’t getting sick. Or potentially, if they have a cold or flu, but are still able to work, they can log on from home and continue working without disrupting their fellow employees or spreading illnesses.
Additionally, IWG’s research states that an incredible 74 per cent of participants said they are more proactive with their healthcare thanks to hybrid working. This makes sense as they would have the flexibility to lock in regular check-ups and screenings. Furthermore, about 70 per cent reported fewer stress-related health issues.
Can it affect our stress and work-life balance?
We’ve previously explored the effect of work on our stress levels and spoke with Vicki Kavadas, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Deakin University.
“Given the average person spends a third of their life at work, it’s important to acknowledge that while work can enhance our wellbeing, it can sometimes have a negative impact depending on the environment,” Vicki said at the time.
Vicki adds that “Digital communication can play a positive role in our work life by allowing us to work flexibly or by providing effective and speedy ways to communicate. But it can also be effortful, increase pressure and disturb the flow of the workday … more communication does not necessarily mean you are communicating effectively.”
So like many things in life, balance is important, even if you are working from home. So ensure you have separate workspaces from living spaces. And do not work from your bed!
What are some working from home health tips?
Dr. Sara Kayat, who is a practicing NHS General Practitioner (GP) based in the United Kingdom, and resident GP on ITV’s This Morning, said: “It’s clear from this research that hybrid working models are offering employees not only greater flexibility but also tangible health benefits.”
She also shared her tips for improving your health while working from home:
- Schedule “me time” for preventative health: Take advantage of your flexible schedule to book those important health check-ups and screenings.
- Join a local workout group for fun and fitness.
- Prepare foods that fuel your brain: Whole foods like leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains can improve focus and energy.
Is hybrid working different in Australia?
In Australia, the adoption of hybrid work models mirrors global trends. Complementing the shift towards hybrid work, Australia introduced the “Right to Disconnect” legislation on August 26, 2024, for businesses with 15 or more employees. For small businesses, it will take effect on August 26, 2025.
This law allows employees the right to refuse unreasonable work-related communications outside their regular working hours, aiming to protect personal time and promote mental well-being. The use of the term “unreasonable” is very important in the new law. Basically, if it’s a work emergency and you are the only person who could solve it, your employer contacting you after hours is totally acceptable. However, if it’s an issue which can wait until the following day, then you do not have to pick up the phone. Other factors would be the nature of the employee’s role, the urgency of the contact or compensation arrangements.
