The past four years have marked a significant transformation in the way we work, with hybrid working moving from necessity to a widely accepted norm across the UK, according to report ‘The State of Hybrid Work‘ from Owl Labs.
What began as a solution during the pandemic has now redefined the traditional office setup for the majority of workers. While some employees have embraced the flexibility and work-life balance that hybrid work offers, others argue that this shift has introduced new challenges in the workplace.
As employers attempted to bring workers back to physical offices, many offered enhanced benefits to attract employees. However, those efforts were met with resistance, leading to an increase in mandates for a return to the office. Despite these attempts, employees have made it clear that flexibility is now a non-negotiable aspect of work. This shift in priorities has led to trends such as “quiet quitting” and “stealth management,” where managers offer flexible work options to retain talent, often going against official company policies.
Owl Labs’ 8th Annual State of Hybrid Work report delves into these evolving trends, revealing what flexible work means for both employees and employers today, while also highlighting the emerging trends shaping the future of work.
Hybrid Work is Here to Stay
According to the latest report, 51% of workers in the UK now operate in a hybrid format, up slightly from 46% in 2023. This steady increase reflects the growing demand for flexibility, with many workers opting to work both from home and in the office. However, this hybrid approach comes at a cost. Workers report spending an additional £26 per day when working from the office compared to remote work.
Additionally, “coffee badging” – the practice of briefly checking into the office to meet expectations before leaving – continues to be a popular trend, with 39% of workers admitting to participating in it. Interestingly, 64% of those workers have been caught by their employers.
Job Market Shifts and Polyworking
The job market remains dynamic, with 35% of workers actively looking to change jobs, an increase from 28% in 2023. This rise may be linked to the increased demand for job flexibility and dissatisfaction with rigid working policies. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 workers (24%) are now engaging in polyworking, holding down multiple jobs to maintain their desired level of flexibility.
As hybrid work continues to evolve, some companies are adjusting their policies. A quarter of employees (26%) reported that their company had changed its remote or hybrid working policy in the last year. These changes have prompted 28% of workers to consider looking for a new job if they are no longer offered the same level of flexibility.
Work Anxiety and Boundaries
The shift to hybrid work has also impacted employee well-being. According to the report, 38% of workers have experienced an increase in stress levels compared to the previous year. This rise in work anxiety could be linked to the blurring of lines between personal and professional lives, with workers finding it difficult to establish boundaries.
To address these challenges, 63% of workers are “clock blocking” – deliberately protecting their time by setting strict limits on when they work. Additionally, 19% of workers are choosing to define clearer boundaries by refusing to take on tasks outside their job descriptions, a trend that has grown as employees seek to regain control over their work-life balance.
The Role of AI and Technology in the Workplace
The report also highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. A significant portion of workers, 21%, report using AI tools on a daily basis, while an additional 14% use them multiple times per day. These tools are becoming integral to daily workflows, offering support in managing tasks and boosting productivity.
However, increased reliance on technology is not without its challenges. Over a third of workers (38%) said their company has increased its use of employee productivity or activity tracking software in the past year. This increase in monitoring has led to concerns about privacy and has contributed to rising stress levels among employees.
The Changing Workplace: Workcations and Office Culture
In a notable trend, many employees are choosing to work from locations other than their home office or traditional coworking spaces. The concept of “workcations,” where employees work remotely from holiday destinations, has gained traction, with 55% of workers participating in this practice. This shift reflects the desire for flexibility and the ability to blend work with leisure.
At the same time, office culture is undergoing a transformation. Political opinions in the workplace are becoming a point of contention, with 38% of workers stating that their employers’ or colleagues’ views make them less inclined to go into the office. This suggests that workplace dynamics are increasingly influenced by external factors, further complicating the return to the office.
Future Trends: Flexibility and Workplace Expectations
Looking ahead, it is clear that the future of work will continue to be shaped by employees’ demand for flexibility. The report shows that 17% of workers would expect a pay increase if hybrid or remote work were no longer an option, and 28% would actively seek new jobs offering greater flexibility.
In a broader context, the report notes that 66% of workers believe employers are enforcing office-based work due to traditional expectations rather than business needs. As organisations grapple with these shifting dynamics, they will need to adapt their policies and approaches to attract and retain talent in a world where flexibility is becoming the new standard.
