Hybrid workers in office 1–2 days a week report lowest wellbeing, with only 50% positive, study finds

A new study commissioned by infiniteSpace found that hybrid workers who attend the office one or two days per week were the least likely to self-report ‘great’ or ‘good’ wellbeing, with only 50% reporting positive physical wellbeing and the same proportion (50%) reporting positive mental wellbeing.

By contrast, those who go to their workplace on average three or four days per week reported the highest levels of wellbeing, with 60% experiencing great or good physical wellbeing and 61% saying the same about their mental wellbeing. 

It was an independent nationally representative survey of 1,210 UK employees which quizzed remote, hybrid and fully in-office workers about their wellbeing found these results.

Those attending the office everyday reported slightly lower but comparable wellbeing levels to those attending three or four days a week, with 59% indicating good physical wellbeing and 57% experiencing good mental wellbeing.

The type of workspace also plays a role in wellbeing outcomes.

Employees working in flexible workspaces reported higher levels of wellbeing, with 60% experiencing good physical and mental wellbeing.

In comparison, employees in traditional private or serviced offices reported slightly lower levels, with 56% indicating good physical wellbeing and 55% reporting good mental wellbeing.

Wybo Wijnbergen, CEO of infinitSpace, said: “While attendance policies should remain flexible to meet diverse business and employee needs, it’s important that we don’t overlook the relationship between going to a workplace and one’s wellbeing.

“The research shows that opportunities for social interaction, a sense of community, and regular access to thoughtfully designed spaces can profoundly impact our overall wellbeing. 

“More than just somewhere to collaborate or be productive, by having the workplaces, organisations can play a meaningful role in boosting the overall health and happiness of their employees.

“And if smart leaders want engaged, productive teams, fostering wellbeing and providing a workspace their staff want to visit must remain a key focus.”