Owl Labs, a pioneering company in AI-powered, 360-degree video conferencing solutions, has today unveiled its annual State of Hybrid Work Report, which surveys 2,000 full-time employees across the UK, alongside 8,000 global respondents. This year’s research highlights that in the wake of the new Labour Government’s promises to introduce the ‘right to switch off’ and the option to request a four-day work week, UK workers are prioritising flexible work arrangements more than ever before.
The Hybrid Revolution: Evolving Work Traditions
As the UK transitions towards a hybrid working model, employees are signalling their desire to move away from over a century of traditional working norms. Currently, more than half of workers (51%) have adopted a hybrid working model, marking a five percentage point increase from 2023 (46%). In stark contrast, only 11% prefer a full-time office role, with the most favoured number of in-office days being three (35%).
Despite the return-to-office (RTO) mandates implemented by companies such as PwC, Santander, and Amazon, the flexibility of where and when employees work has become a fundamental expectation. Notably, 17% of workers would demand a salary increase if hybrid or remote working options were removed, while almost half (47%) would seek employment elsewhere that offers more flexibility if their hybrid privileges were revoked.
With the Government’s recent commitment to the ‘Make Work Pay’ policy, it is evident that the UK has reached a pivotal moment; the majority of workers are unlikely to revert to five days in the office. Companies that insist on RTO mandates and traditional in-office practices risk facing significant employee turnover.
The Decline of Hustle Culture
As the cultural narrative surrounding work continues to evolve, many UK employees are stepping back from the once-celebrated “hustle culture” in favour of a more balanced work-life equation. The leading reason employees seek new job opportunities is for an improved work-life balance (50%), a notable increase from 41% in 2023. As the Government considers legislation for a four-day work week, nearly three-quarters of workers (73%) are willing to forfeit some salary for this benefit, up from 65% last year. Additionally, 76% are willing to give up some salary in exchange for greater flexibility in their working hours.
With a growing emphasis on flexibility and work-life balance, UK workers are actively challenging the traditional corporate framework. Approximately two-thirds (67%) of employees are witnessing shifts in long-standing corporate norms, with 23% seeking increased recognition and 20% desiring alignment between their personal and professional values.
The Rise of the ‘Clock Blockers’
In their pursuit of a better work-life balance, UK employees are increasingly assertive about setting firmer boundaries between work and personal life. With 43% feeling disengaged at work and a further 26% experiencing burnout, nearly 1 in 5 (19%) are actively refusing to take on tasks beyond their job descriptions. Additionally, 20% opt not to respond to work messages outside their designated hours.
When it comes to meetings, a significant 61% of employees believe that starting meetings at 8 a.m. or earlier is excessive, while 92% feel that meetings after 4:30 p.m. are too late. Consequently, 63% of workers admit to “clock blocking,” setting aside time in their calendars to prevent meetings from encroaching on their work hours.
As the conversation around hybrid work continues, employers have the opportunity to facilitate a more productive workforce by allowing meeting-free days and endorsing task-oriented work schedules.
Navigating Hybrid Management Challenges
With employees increasingly adopting assertive tactics for flexibility, managers are under heightened pressure to navigate hybrid work expectations effectively. The demand for good management practices has surged, with a supportive supervisor now ranked almost as highly as salary in terms of employee priorities (89%).
Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs, remarks, “Our data illustrates that employees, regardless of age, are seeking authentic work experiences that enable them to follow their passions and cultivate meaningful connections. As burnout becomes a common issue, employees are exploring innovative methods to alleviate workplace stress.”