A surge in return-to-office mandates is harming UK workers’ mental health, especially women and younger employees, as flexible hybrid working proves beneficial but social isolation and financial burdens persist, reveals a Hays survey of 3,600 workers.
A growing number of UK workers are experiencing negative impacts on their wellbeing amid rising pressure to spend more time in the office, according to a recent survey by recruitment firm Hays. The poll reveals that 38 per cent of respondents felt their mental health suffered following news coverage of companies tightening return-to-office mandates. This sentiment was particularly pronounced among women, with 42 per cent reporting a decline in wellbeing compared to 32 per cent of men. Younger employees aged 20 to 29 also expressed greater concern than those over 50.
The survey, involving 3,600 UK-based workers and employers from both public and private sectors, found that hybrid working remains popular, with 84 per cent of those using a flexible model reporting positive effects on their wellbeing. Women again led this trend, with 87 per cent noting improvements compared to 80 per cent of men. Benefits included enhancements to mental, physical, social, and financial health. A significant concern for many was the rising financial burden of commuting, which 59 per cent said would influence their willingness to return to the office more often.
This data aligns with broader research indicating the positive impact of hybrid work on employee satisfaction and productivity. A recent study by the International Workplace Group found that three-quarters of hybrid workers felt less stressed, drained, and anxious than those working full-time in offices. Additionally, 86 per cent underscored better work-life balance owing to time saved on commuting, which they used to improve their quality of life.
However, the shift towards hybrid working presents challenges as well. Hays’ research highlights that 36 per cent of hybrid workers feel a lack of interaction with colleagues, and 22 per cent experience loneliness, rising to 32 per cent among those over 50. Older employees also more frequently report blurred work-life boundaries. These social and emotional downsides complicate the picture for employers balancing remote work with maintaining team cohesion and employee engagement.
Despite the benefits and persistence of hybrid working, some major UK firms have recently adopted stricter in-office policies. In the financial sector, HSBC has warned retail banking staff that spending less than 60 per cent of their time in the office could impact their bonuses, while Barclays and Santander have introduced tighter remote work guidelines. Man Group, a large publicly listed hedge fund, required London-based analysts to return to full-time office work temporarily to address performance issues.
Perceptions of productivity between home and office environments remain split, with Hays finding 43 per cent of professionals feel more productive at the office, while 41 per cent prefer remote work. Senior staff tend to favour working from home, whereas junior employees often find the office more conducive to productivity. As a result, 38 per cent suggest that adapting work methods to individual needs is key to maximising productivity in hybrid settings.
Employers appear to be caught at a crossroads: although 61 per cent offer hybrid working, a quarter anticipate requiring more frequent in-office attendance in the coming year. This may risk alienating employees who value flexibility, particularly as research indicates that failing to support hybrid arrangements could undermine both wellbeing and business success. The head of wellbeing at Hays warned that ignorance of remote working’s impact, especially financial stress related to commuting, could be “catastrophic” for organisations’ long-term performance.
Looking forward, a significant proportion of employers recognise the productivity benefits of hybrid work, with 46 per cent believing staff are more effective working from home or in flexible arrangements—a rise from previous years. Around 20 per cent plan to invest further in enhancing hybrid working through collaborative office spaces, improved technology, and management training, aiming to strike a better balance between flexibility and employee connection.
As companies navigate these evolving dynamics, it is evident that hybrid working has become engrained in the modern employment landscape. Yet, to reap its full benefits, businesses must address the social isolation and financial challenges workers face while honouring the widespread preference for flexibility that has taken hold across generations and sectors.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hybrid-work-from-home-office-survey-b2789591.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/16/hybrid-working-makes-employees-happier-healthier-and-more-productive-study-shows – A study by the International Workplace Group (IWG) found that hybrid working improves job satisfaction and reduces burnout. Three-quarters of hybrid workers reported feeling less drained, stressed, and anxious compared to when they worked entirely in the office. Additionally, 86% noted that the time saved from commuting enhanced their work-life balance, allowing them to better manage daily life challenges. The research highlights that hybrid working brings significant health and wellbeing benefits, with employees using the saved commuting time to improve their quality of life and work-life balance.
- https://www.hays.co.uk/media-centre/press-releases/content/office-vs-remote-productivity-debate – Research by Hays revealed differing productivity perceptions between office and remote work. Overall, 43% of professionals felt more productive in the office, while 41% preferred working from home. Senior professionals tended to favour remote work, with 51% reporting higher productivity at home compared to 36% in the office. In contrast, 50% of entry-level and junior professionals found the office environment more conducive to productivity. The study also highlighted that 38% of professionals believe adapting working methods to individual needs enhances hybrid working productivity.
- https://www.hays.co.uk/media-centre/press-releases/content/hybrid-work-persists-amid-surge-in-return-to-office-policies – Despite a trend towards stricter return-to-office policies, hybrid working remains prevalent. Hays’ research indicated that 36% of professionals experienced a lack of interaction with colleagues due to hybrid work, and 22% felt isolated and lonely, with the latter figure rising to 32% among workers over 50. Additionally, 39% of older workers reported a lack of colleague interaction, and 36% felt their work-life balance had blurred. The study underscores the need for employers to balance flexibility with strategies to mitigate potential downsides of hybrid working.
- https://www.hays.co.uk/media-centre/press-releases/content/employers-missing-a-trick-by-not-including-flexible-working – Hays’ research found a shift in working patterns, with less than two in five workers (39%) now adopting a hybrid approach, compared to 43% working fully in an office setting. Despite this, 61% of employers offer hybrid working, yet nearly a quarter (24%) anticipate requiring increased staff attendance in the next 12 months. The study suggests that employers may be missing opportunities to attract and retain talent by not fully embracing flexible working arrangements.
- https://www.cipd.org/en/knowledge/reports/flexible-hybrid-working-2023 – The CIPD’s 2023 report on flexible and hybrid working practices indicates that 13% of organisations believe hybrid working has decreased productivity. However, 46% of employers think employees are more productive when working from home or in a hybrid manner, an increase from 43% in 2021. The report also highlights that 20% of organisations plan to invest in hybrid working over the next 6 to 12 months, focusing on making offices more collaborative and enhancing technology and manager training.
- https://www.hays.co.uk/media-centre/press-releases/content/hybrid-work-persists-amid-surge-in-return-to-office-policies – Hays’ research found that 36% of professionals experienced a lack of interaction with colleagues due to hybrid working, and 22% felt isolated and lonely, with the latter figure rising to 32% among workers over 50. Additionally, 39% of older workers reported a lack of colleague interaction, and 36% felt their work-life balance had blurred. The study underscores the need for employers to balance flexibility with strategies to mitigate potential downsides of hybrid working.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 15 July 2025. The survey by Hays is current, reflecting recent trends in hybrid work. No evidence of recycled content or significant discrepancies with earlier reports. The inclusion of updated data justifies a higher freshness score. However, the report’s reliance on a single survey may limit its comprehensiveness.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Direct quotes from the survey are not provided in the available information. The absence of specific quotes makes it challenging to assess their originality or potential reuse. The lack of direct citations may affect the report’s credibility.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Independent, a reputable UK news outlet. The survey is conducted by Hays, a well-known recruitment firm. Both sources are generally considered reliable, enhancing the report’s credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The findings align with existing research on hybrid work and employee wellbeing. The report highlights concerns about increased office attendance and its impact on employee wellbeing, particularly among women. While the survey sample size and methodology are not detailed, the reported trends are consistent with broader industry observations.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents recent findings from a reputable source, aligning with existing research on hybrid work and employee wellbeing. The absence of direct quotes and limited methodological details are noted but do not significantly undermine the report’s credibility.
