A new report reveals that nearly three out of four chief executive officers (CEOs) do not consider mandating a full-time office return a top business priority, thanks to the advantages of hybrid work.
The International Workplace Group surveyed over 500 CEOs and found that 91% have embraced hybrid working, with 74% indicating that a full-time office return is not a business priority.
The report highlights several benefits of hybrid work. Three-quarters of those implementing the arrangement reported improvements in employee engagement (77%), company culture (75%), and team collaboration (75%). Additionally, 73% of CEOs acknowledged that hybrid work has enhanced their ability to attract top talent.
Hybrid work has also broadened talent pools, with 71% of CEOs stating it enabled them to offer positions to a more diverse group of candidates.
Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, stated, “The uptake of hybrid working is continuing to increase as companies of all sizes understand its importance in creating an optimal environment for both the productivity of the business and the happiness of its employees to thrive.”
Beyond the benefits, the report noted that hybrid work is now essential for employees, making a full-time office return less of a priority for CEOs. Improved staff retention was observed by 76% of CEOs who offered flexibility, and 65% believed they would lose talent if they mandated full-time office presence. Consequently, 94% of CEOs have focused on investing in technology to enhance the hybrid experience, with 43% identifying it as their top investment over the past year.
Dixon added, “This latest research convincingly demonstrates that CEOs appreciate the critical role that hybrid working has in not only attracting but retaining the highest quality talent.”
