Companies in Canada and across the US are mandating their employees to return to the office, with Amazon’s return to work mandate getting a lot of the press.
Productivity is a commonly cited reason employers want workers to return to the office. Many claim (without proof) that productivity boosts are one of the main reasons they want people to work onsite. Since this is a hot-button issue, our IT recruiters in Toronto decided to dig into the question of productivity and whether it varies much based on an employee’s location.
In this blog we’ll cover:
- Study finds no difference in productivity between hybrid and in-office workers
- 7 Reasons why hybrid workers can be more productive
Study Finds No Difference in Productivity Between Hybrid and In-Office Workers
As reported by Entrepreneur.com and many other sources, a recent study by nature.com found that productivity hardly changed based on the employee’s location. The study looked into whether there was a difference between modes of work and found there was minimal difference between being in the office and working from home.
The authors of the study also found a shift in how managers viewed hybrid work:
“We also found that the 395 managers in the experiment revised their surveyed views about the effect of hybrid working on productivity, from a perceived negative effect (−2.6% on average) before the experiment to a perceived positive one (+1.0%) after the experiment. These results indicate that a hybrid schedule with two days a week working from home does not damage performance.”
One of the key reasons why hybrid work was successful is top management supported it. Just like many other initiatives, when management offers its support, it is more likely to be a success.
Another key finding from the study was that employees who were part of the hybrid work system saw improved job satisfaction and reduced quit rates by one-third. Other studies saw similar results.
A Mortar Research study found that hybrid workers were happier, healthier, and more productive than in-office workers.
“The research also finds that three in four hybrid workers feel they are more productive (74%), motivated (76%), and satisfied (86%) because of their hybrid schedule.”
Another survey found 61% of people said hybrid work arrangements have had a positive impact on productivity. 16% said it had a very positive impact.
7 Reasons Hybrid Workers Can Be More Productive
Thousands of people across Canada work from home every day. Many of them are highly productive and successful.
Hybrid workers are often more productive due to a combination of flexibility, autonomy, and optimized work environments. Here’s why workers can be more productive when they work from home:
- Flexibility in work location: Hybrid arrangements allow employees to choose where they work best—at home for focused tasks or in the office for collaboration. This adaptability reduces distractions and maximizes efficiency. It gives workers the ability to adjust work location and choose where they work based on what they are working on.
- Improved work-life balance: The ability to work remotely part of the time helps workers manage personal responsibilities and reduce commuting stress, which contributes to better mental health and higher productivity. The abilty to eliminate your commute alone can save you more than one hour per day. Think of the extra energy that a person can have by not having to worry about this (check out Can AI Help With Burnout and Work-Life Balance?).
- A personalized work environment: At home, workers can tailor their setup to their preferences, enhancing comfort and focus. You can set your office space up in a way that best benefits your work preferences. In the office, they benefit from resources and face-to-face interactions for tasks requiring teamwork.
- Fewer distractions and better focus: Remote days often eliminate office interruptions, enabling employees to concentrate on deep work without distractions. You won’t have those extended lunch breaks, chats over coffee or interruptions from co-workers. All of these things add up to a lot of lost productivity.
- Increased autonomy: Hybrid work models give employees more control over their schedules and workflows, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability for their tasks. It allows you to hone in and hunker down to get things done.
- Reduced burnout: Burnout is a real issue today. Balancing remote work with in-office days helps prevent overwork and mental fatigue, maintaining energy levels and sustaining long-term productivity. (read more – 4 Realistic Ways to Beat Burnout and Stay Engaged).
- Effective collaboration when they are in the office: When you know you are only in the office on certain days, you tend to make the most of them. In-office days are typically used strategically for meetings and teamwork, ensuring that collaborative time is focused and purposeful. There will be less wasted time, knowing you have certain tasks that need to get done while you are in the office.
A Final Word On Productivity At Home Or In The Office
While many companies in Canada and the US are pushing for a return to office work, the assumption that in-office environments inherently boost productivity does not hold up to scrutiny. Studies, such as those highlighted in this blog, demonstrate that hybrid work not only matches but can sometimes exceed the productivity levels of traditional office setups. Hybrid work offers employees the flexibility to tailor their work environment, improve their work-life balance, and focus on tasks more effectively.
When supported by management, hybrid work can also enhance job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and contribute to healthier, happier employees. As organizations navigate the future of work, embracing a hybrid model could be the key to unlocking sustained productivity and employee well-being.
More From Our Recruiters About Productivity
Working Extra Hours Linked With Decreased Productivity
Is Your Boss Watching You? The Rise of Worker Productivity Monitoring
Is Remote Work Really to Blame for Decreased Productivity?
How to Let Go of “Productivity Theatre” and Increase Focus in the Workplace
