The 2024 State of Hybrid Work report by Owl Labs confirms that the traditional 9-to-5 office model isn't making a full comeback. Even with return-to-office mandates and in-person job requirements, employees continue to prioritize flexibility.
Here's a breakdown of the key findings and how you can use them to make smarter decisions in today's evolving work landscape:
Flexibility is a Priority, Not a Perk
Flexibility has become non-negotiable for most professionals. A significant 66% of employees would immediately start looking for a new job if remote work options were removed.
While many employers are still figuring out the right balance between autonomy and collaboration, hybrid work is on the rise:
- 62% of employees work in the office (down from 66% in 2023)
- 27% work hybrid (up from 26%)
- 11% are fully remote (up from 7%)
The most popular hybrid schedule involves three days in the office. Hybrid work has also fueled the Work From Anywhere movement, with 58% of employees working remotely from various locations beyond their homes or coworking spaces in the past year. However, time zone differences remain a challenge. For optimal meeting attendance and engagement, the report suggests a "sweet spot" for meetings between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Polyworking is on the Rise
The report indicates that 22% of workers hold at least one additional job, and this number climbs to 32% among managers (compared to 19% of individual contributors). This trend highlights a growing desire among professionals to diversify their work portfolios.
Productivity is About Focus, Not Location
Despite managers' concerns about team productivity, 62% say their teams are more productive working hybrid or remotely. Focus, rather than physical presence, is the new measure of output. Calendar blocking is becoming a popular strategy, with 58% of workers using it to prevent meeting overload. Millennials are leading this habit, and interestingly, full-time office workers block time more than their hybrid or remote counterparts.
Wellbeing is Lagging
While productivity levels have remained steady at 90%, employee stress is increasing:
- 26% feel burned out
- 22% feel underpaid
- 17% report declining mental health
Proximity bias, the tendency to favor in-office workers, still exists but has declined. 55% believe their managers see in-person workers as more hardworking and trustworthy (down from 63% in 2023), and 57% admit they're more likely to seek opinions from coworkers they see in person (a 10% drop from last year).
The Cost of Going to the Office is Rising
For many, going to the office isn't just about location—it's about cost. Hybrid workers now spend an average of $61 per day when going to the office (up from $51 in 2023), while working from home costs an average of $19 per day (up slightly from $15). It's no surprise that 22% of hybrid workers would expect a pay raise if asked to return to the office full-time to offset these increased expenses.
AI is Reshaping Workflows
Artificial intelligence is now deeply integrated into how we work:
- 72% of employees have used AI tools at work
- 23% use them multiple times a day
- 47% of employers have adopted AI to replace or augment human roles
Hybrid work is undeniably here to stay, bringing with it new expectations around flexibility, focus, and well-being. To stay ahead, it's crucial to prioritize upskilling, integrate AI into your routine, and actively advocate for the work-life balance that helps you thrive.
What aspects of hybrid work do you find most challenging or beneficial?