Dive Brief:
- Nearly 70% of U.S. adults prefer a hybrid or in-person work schedule, according to the American Staffing Association’s latest Workforce Monitor survey, released April 24.
- The survey indicated “significant differences” across generations. While more than a third of baby boomers surveyed said they preferred to work fully remote, only a quarter of Gen Z said the same. Close to half of workers with young children preferred a hybrid schedule.
- Notably, nearly half of employees said they were burnt out at their jobs, with a similar number hesitant to discuss that with their boss, indicating a need for flexibility and improved engagement regardless of work format, the survey said.
Dive Insight:
Since the beginning of 2023, surveys have indicated that employers may largely be settling on hybrid work — though in-office requirements may be becoming more strict, according to a March 2023 survey from Littler Mendelson.
Employers interested in hybrid work need to be aware that a blanket policy could do more harm than good, according to research published by The Hackett Group in 2023. When employees are given a choice in creating a virtual work arrangement with their managers, organizations tend to see the strongest positive outcomes, the research said.
“As organizations navigate the future of the workplace, the most successful ones will embrace workplace flexibility and focus on creating strong employee-centric cultures,” Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at the American Staffing Association, said in a statement.
Hybrid work formats could also address burnout. According to a survey from the International Workplace Group, hybrid work encourages healthier habits as it gives workers more time for exercise, cooking healthy meals and sleep due to lesser commute requirements.