Scaling hybrid: navigating a new landscape from employee to economy
From employee expectations to urban transformation, Leesman’s latest study looks at the impact of hybrid work from an individual, organisational and societal perspective
Hybrid work has become a defining feature of the modern workplace, reshaping how employees, businesses and even cities operate. While organisations continue to navigate this evolving landscape, a study by workplace experience experts Leesman called The Hybrid Future: Redefining Possibilities offers valuable insights into the hybrid debate.
Based on data from nearly 4,000 employees across eight survey campaigns, the research highlights that hybrid work isn’t just about where people work, it’s about how they work best. As companies strive to balance employee preferences with business priorities, they must address pressing challenges around collaboration, leadership and workplace culture.
Employees want flexibility first
One of the key findings from the Leesman study is that hybrid work remains overwhelmingly popular with employees. One in nine employees prefer a hybrid model, and nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) say it influences their decision to stay in or accept a job. The desire for flexibility is no longer a perk, it’s an expectation.
But while employees report positive impacts on productivity, with 83 per cent reporting that hybrid work enhances their output, many still struggle with its complexities. Hybrid collaboration impacts how connected employees feel to one another, and virtual meeting fatigue is a persistent issue. To counter the negative impact of hybrid collaboration, many still leverage the office as a hub for in-person collaboration.
Leaders want culture and connection
While employees have largely adapted to hybrid work, leaders report greater difficulties. The study found that senior leaders are more likely to feel disconnected in a hybrid setting, with one in three struggling to stay engaged. Maintaining workplace culture and ensuring equal participation across remote and in-office teams has become a top priority for leadership.
Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on trust-based leadership, where performance is measured by outcomes rather than physical presence. This shift requires new management skills, tools and ways of fostering team cohesion in a distributed workforce.
Cities need more vibrancy
Hybrid work doesn’t just affect individuals, it’s reshaping cities and economies. With fewer employees commuting daily, urban centres are experiencing reduced foot traffic, while suburban areas see increased local economic activity. While some studies have demonstrated the environmental benefits of fewer commutes, energy use in home offices is rising, leading to fresh sustainability considerations.
At the same time, hybrid work is opening doors for more inclusive workplaces, enabling people with disabilities, caregivers and those in remote locations to access job opportunities that might have been out of reach before.
A collective approach
As some companies push for a return to the office, others embrace hybrid models that prioritise flexibility and autonomy. The key takeaway from Leesman’s research is that whichever end of the spectrum a business sits, hybrid work is here to stay – but it requires continuous refinement. Businesses that actively listen to employees, rethink their leadership strategies and invest in workplace experience will be best positioned for success.
Read an in-depth analysis of the Leesman study in our Innovation Zone, which provides premium content for WORKTECH Academy members and partners.
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Read the full Leesman report, The Hybrid Future: Redefining Possibilities, here.
