The global company Leesman’s report “The Hybrid Future: Redefining Possibilities”, published in January 2025, is based on a study involving 3,988 respondents across eight campaigns conducted between July 2023 and October 2024. It addresses the question:
“What are the implications of hybrid working on people, organisations, and society?”
Here are some important and interesting takeaways:
- 91% of employees like hybrid working
- 94% of respondents consider it essential when deciding to stay in or accept a job
- For 62% hybrid working model has a ‘positive’ or ‘very positive’ impact on the organization’s culture.
- 83% reported that hybrid working positively affects their productivity (51% rated it as ‘very positive’ and 32% as ‘positive’), while only 6% reported a negative impact.
The pandemic highlighted a clear truth: organizations with more flexible working arrangements and greater autonomy over how employees worked adapted more easily to hybrid and remote setups.
Hybrid working embraces the idea that ‘one size does not fit all’, recognizing the distinct circumstances of each person and offering a more flexible framework to cater to those differences.
Some companies have maintained a mostly office-based structure, offering only a few days of remote work, while others have adopted more flexible hybrid models. These variations highlighted the different ways organizations have adapted to the evolving work landscape in response to the pandemic.
This flexibility has led to more personalized work experiences, shaped by individual needs, expectations, demographics, and circumstances. As a result, each employee’s hybrid experience is unique, creating a complex yet beneficial landscape.
An organization’s success hinges on the quality of its employees, making talent attraction and retention vital. In today’s competitive job market, organizations must adapt to evolving employee expectations and priorities, shaped by the rise of hybrid working.
Managing in a hybrid working environment demands that leaders embrace new styles centered on trust and communication.
Many employees find it easier to concentrate on individual tasks outside the office, with 45% citing this as a main reason for remote work and 83% reported that hybrid working positively affects their productivity.
In response to the new hybrid reality, many organizations have restructured their workspaces to adapt. Balancing certain elements is crucial in reimagining office spaces, using data to inform decisions and optimize environments that support a hybrid workforce.
Half of our respondents named bonding and socializing as their main reason for coming to the office.
By reducing travel needs, hybrid working can boost employee satisfaction with commuting.
With offices downsizing, smart energy usage, and less commuting, hybrid working could become a key factor in achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Hybrid models preserve the benefits of remote work—autonomy, flexibility, and work-life balance—while highlighting the office’s role as a hub for collaboration and connection.
Most companies are still adjusting their approach, either moving towards a more structured or flexible model, as they seek the best fit for their organizational and employee needs.
The future of work is still evolving, and each organization must navigate its own path to achieve a sustainable balance for long-term satisfaction, productivity, and success.
Source:
Leesman’s report “The Hybrid Future: Redefining Possibilities”, published in January 2025
