Anxiety about being ordered to return to the office is hurting the well-being of British workers, according to new research by recruitment firm Hays.
In a poll of 3,600 employers and employees in the public and private sectors, more than one-third (38%) of workers said recent media reports about companies tightening office attendance negatively impacting their well-being. These findings were driven by a wider return to the office (RTO), especially from companies from the financial sector.
By early 2024, Hybrid’s work has become the standard for more than a quarter (28%) of adults in the UK, continuing to receive strong support. More than one in five (84%) of hybrid workers say that allocating time between home and office has a positive impact on their overall well-being, including mental, physical, social and financial aspects.
Studies show that gender splitting, 87% of women say mixed work is favorable, while 80% of men. Women appear to be more sensitive to RTO development, with 42% of women saying their health is negatively affected by news of strict office mandates, compared with 32% of men.
Younger employees are not proportional. People aged 20 to 29 are more likely to report the welfare effects of returning to the office than workers aged 50 and older.
A major issue cited in the report is financial stress, especially commuting costs. Six in 10 (59%) respondents said financial concerns would reduce their willingness to spend more time in the office.
These findings are due to several high-profile employers redefining office attendance requirements. HSBC warns UK high street banking staff that they may cut their bonuses if they spend at least 60% of their working hours on their desks. Barclays and the Santanders also raised expectations for office work.
Meanwhile, among the world’s largest hedge fund, the world’s largest hedge fund, Man Group ordered London-based analysts to return to their office five days a week because they didn’t perform well for a while.
Hannah Pearsall, head of Hayes health, warned that companies that underestimate the impact of strict return policies could face serious consequences.
“The popularity of hybrid work shows no signs of sway, and the role it plays in improving health should not be ignored,” Pearsall said.
“The lack of awareness of the impact of returning authorization (especially on financial health) may lead to the continued success of its business.”
As businesses continue to struggle with productivity, retention and morale, data show that flexibility is no longer just an uplift, but a workplace expectation that has a significant impact on employee health and business performance.
