9 in 10 CEOs embrace hybrid working: survey

Almost 8 in 10 noted improved employee engagement thanks to hybrid working.

Nine out of 10 CEOs have adopted hybrid working, resulting in improved productivity and staff retention, according to a survey by the International Workplace Group (IWG).

The survey, which polled over 500 CEOs globally, said that they have experienced various benefits such as better company culture due to hybrid working. Almost 8 in 10 noted an improvement in employee engagement (77%) and more efficient collaboration between colleagues (75%).

A separate IWG research found that 74% of companies stated that in five years’ time, their companies would be operating in a hybrid model.

Flexible work has become non-negotiable for many employers, said IWG. A separate study by Morgan McKinley found that out of 3,500 employees polled, over 1 in 2 or 56% who work five days a week onsite are most actively seeking a new job over the next 6 months compared to hybrid employees (41%) and fully remote employees (44%). 

In IWG’s study, almost 3 in 4 (74%) of CEOs said that returning to the office full-time was not a priority for their business as it could impact staff retention. Over 6 in 10 (65%) believed that they would lose talent if they insisted on employee presence every day.

Most business leaders are focused on investing in the future by enhancing hybrid working equipment and facilities, with 43% saying this is their top priority.