Most of us have our preferred patterns for hybrid working. New research from TravelPerk reveals that a fifth (19%) of UK employees don’t think meeting colleagues in person is important at all. However, nearly triple (58%) feel that meeting in person is important because it creates a sense of belonging to the team, and more than double (43%) think it boosts productivity and creativity.
Even so, nearly a quarter (23%) would like to go into the office less, and only 3% would like to go into the office more.
Businesses keen to encourage workers to the office
“Technology will never replace the magic and energy that exists when people get together in person,” said Avi Meir, CEO, TravelPerk. “That’s why so many businesses are keen to encourage workers to return to the office and why many employees are embracing it – because the meetings that matter, happen in person.”
The survey also showed that most employees (69%) are required to go into the office a certain number of days per week or month. Of these, more than a quarter (28%) work five days a week from the office compared to those that work four days (9%), three days (22%), two days (24%) a week or less (16%).
Time in the office is used for meetings and engaging with colleagues
Only a small minority felt that hybrid working encourages better communication with their team (8%) and a better relationship with their boss (7%). With that in mind, a third (33%) use their time in the office for 1-1 meetings with their manager or team, followed by meeting new team members (30%). In-person meetings are also used for brainstorming or strategy sessions (22%), social events (20%), large meetings with multiple people (16%) and workshops or skill development sessions (13%).
“The need for in-person connections is deeply rooted in who we are as human beings, and this comes through very clearly in the survey. Those in-real-life connections enable meaningful interactions, business opportunities and team success stories, which are necessary for businesses to thrive. TravelPerk exists to make that happen,” Meir concluded.
Exploring hybrid working patterns
The survey, which explores hybrid working patterns, is based on a sample of 1,000 UK employees working from an office or home. Nearly half (46%) of hybrid workers like it because they spend less time commuting and because of the balance it gives between their job and personal life (43%). They are also more productive (34%), like the balance of time at home and interacting with colleagues at the office (29%), find it has a positive impact on their mental and physical health (27%), and are comfortable with their workstation setup (15%).
Methodology
OnePoll conducted an online survey on behalf of TravelPerk from February 14 to March 1, 2023 with 1,000 full-time or part-time employees, working from an office or from home, including decision makers and non-decision makers. Respondents came from organizations within sectors such as accountancy, banking & finance, retail and healthcare in the United Kingdom.
About TravelPerk
TravelPerk is the next-generation business travel platform pioneering the future of business travel. TravelPerk’s all-in-one platform gives travellers the freedom they want whilst providing companies with the control they need. The result is saved time, money, and hassle for everyone.
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