Hybrid work model and mental wellbeing

February 7, 2023

Just three years ago, if anyone had suggested that Working Remotely would be a major determinant of success and satisfaction for organizations and employees respectively, it would have been refuted, ridiculed and rejected.

Then the pandemic came along and shattered the common belief that employees cannot successfully work from outside of a physical office. Many if not most, companies reported an equal or higher level of productivity among employees during one of the worst public health crises the world has ever encountered.

Theacceptance of a change in work patterns is reflected in survey by a HR consulting firm that showed 68% of surveyed companies in August 2022 chose to move to flexible working arrangements as against only 47% in January 2022. In fact attrition in companies returning fulltime to office was 29% as against 19% for those with a flexible approach.

As debate between business leaders on in-office work versus hybrid work continues, what does this mean for employees’ health and wellbeing? It appears that the work-life balance offered by hybrid working is making employees healthier and happier. Let’s look at why:

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Reduced commuting to work: Anyone who lives and commutes to work in a metro city will agree that it is not the most optimal use of ones time. Stressful commutes, peppered with traffic jams, road / train rage and the fear of being late to work increase anxiety and blood pressure.

The ability to balance personal and work commitments: Apart from enabling healthier social interactions with family and friends etc, it also allows employees to manage personal tasks. This improves the feeling of balance and adjustment leading to better mental wellbeing.

Personal health and wellness: Flexible working allows employees additional time for their personal health and wellness routines – planned exercise, healthier meals, mindfulness sessions, doctor consultations etc.

Protection from infections at the workplace: As infectious diseases grow, the reduced exposure to crowded office environments and potential spread of infections is very important in the post-pandemic world.

Then the pandemic came along and shattered the common belief that employees cannot successfully work from outside of a physical office. Many if not most, companies reported an equal or higher level of productivity among employees during one of the worst public health crises the world has ever encountered.

However, the most important benefit of hybrid work is mental wellbeing of employees.

Two and a half years of the pandemic made everyone re-evaluate priorities. Families, relatives, friends have assumed greater significance as many people suddenly lost their loved ones to an unknown virus with no means of getting ‘closure’. The resulting trauma has scarred the collective psyche. Staying close and connected is now critical. Hybrid working would allay this anxiety.

Also, several employees secured their first job during the pandemic– the remote working made it easier for those with fears of social interaction to slip into the workforce almost unnoticed. Today when these same employees are directed to report to the office for 100% of the time, they are hesitant and adopt avoidance –causing anxiety and affecting their mental wellbeing. A hybrid approach helps in this situation.

Companies will need to continue to focus on employee wellbeing. Rather than adopt a reactive approach, organisations will need to be proactive and defined strategies around corporate health and wellbeing that includes mental health. Understanding the psychological needs of employees is key and providing access to health services is no longer a ‘benefit’.

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