Nearly seven out of 10 businesses (69%) have adopted hybrid working due to employee demand for greater flexibility since the pandemic and three-quarters of bosses say it has improved the efficiency of their workforces, according to new research.
Data from the study conducted by insurance broking and risk management firm Gallagher also revealed that as many as 60% of business leaders expressed regret at not implementing hybrid working arrangements before the pandemic.
However, the results of the survey also suggest that many bosses are still adapting to the changes, with nearly six in 10 (59%) saying they initially felt they had no choice but to introduce a hybrid model in order to retain staff. A similar figure (58%) also admitted they feel the need to check employees are working when they are not in the office.
The vast majority (80%) of leaders have implemented an official policy to ensure staff members attend the workplace, the survey found.
Neil Hodgson, managing director of risk management at Gallagher, commented: “Following the pandemic, there has clearly been a shift in the way that people work and businesses are more flexible in their approach to how their employees split their time working from home and in an office.”
However, Hodgson also urged employers to “take into account the health and safety implications” if their employees are working from home regularly.
