Money worries putting hybrid workers off full-time return to office

Many hybrid workers are worried about the financial consequences of going back to the office full-time.

According to Hays, four-fifths (84%) of people who split their time between home and the office believe hybrid working has boosted their physical social and financial wellbeing.

But nearly four in ten (38%) people feel recent news stories about employers mandating going back to the office have affected their wellbeing.

As a result, many are reluctant to give up hybrid working and potentially face higher day-to-day expenses.

In fact, nearly six in ten (59%) said money worries, in particular the cost of commuting, would affect their willingness to spend more time in the office.

“The popularity of hybrid working shows no signs of wavering any time soon and the role this flexible working pattern plays in improving wellbeing should not be overlooked,” said Hannah Pearsall, head of wellbeing at Hays.

“A lack of awareness around the impact of RTO [return to office] on wellbeing, particularly financial wellbeing, could be catastrophic for the sustained success of their business.”

Figures from Hays show that female workers in particular are feeling the benefits of hybrid working.

Nearly nine in ten (87%) women said this approach had boosted their wellbeing, compared with eight in ten (80%) of men.