Over 20 years ago in the late 1990’s I worked with IBM. I had my first taste of remote and hybrid working then. Working on international projects. ftp – who remembers that? It could take 24 hours to transfer files to a server in another country. We had a chat system called Sametime. Audio conferencing with speed dial via teleconference phones. Later we got VOIP – a big step forward, and the ability to conference call via Sametime.  

I don’t recall the source, but we were provided with research articles that stated working remotely and/or hybridly improves productivity. I liked the notion and took advantage of working remotely and hybridly.  

Benefits of hybrid/remote working 

• It may improve burnout due to the changed environment and flexibility but do you end up working longer hours because of the accessibility of WFH? This is something you need to manage for yourself, and not become a person who experiences guilt for not being online and visible at all times. 
• Two studies in early 2022 validated the views of remote/hybrid work advocates. Research found that remote and hybrid employees were 22% happier than workers in an onsite office environment and stayed in their jobs longer. Plus, remote workers had less stress, more focus and were more productive than when they toiled in the office. Working from home led to better work/life balance and was more beneficial for the physical and mental well-being of employees. 

• Job Satisfaction. Continuing to embrace flexibility is essential. Most employees (88%) agree that the flexibility to work from home or the office has increased their job satisfaction. 
• Physical health. Hybrid workplaces have empowered employees to reclaim physical health. Three-quarters of respondents (75%) stated that they move more frequently and have a more active work style when working remotely. 
• Work-life balance. Three quarters of respondents say their work-life balance has improved as a result of hybrid or remote working. Even though some employees are dedicating more time to their work, if they’re able to fit it in and around other aspects of their lives, they say they feel the positive effects of a better work-life balance. 
• Comfortable work environments. Of the workers surveyed, 62% said improved workspaces with comfortable, ergonomic furniture are important and improve company culture.  
• Wellness programs. More than three-quarters of respondents (76%) revealed that their employers implemented wellness programs to support mental and physical health, with 30% of those being brand new since the onset of the pandemic.