Hybrid working can be better for your health because it cuts down on commuting, gives you more time for sleep, exercise and proper meals, and still provides the social contact that fully remote working can lack. For the 9.2 million people (28% of the workforce) currently hybrid working in the UK, it offers the best of both home and office working while softening the downsides of each.
That said, the benefits depend on how hybrid working is set up, so it helps to understand where they come from and how to make the most of them.
How Does Hybrid Working Reduce Stress?
Hybrid working reduces stress mainly by cutting the number of days spent commuting and by giving people more control over how they organise their week. Long, crowded or unpredictable journeys are a common source of daily stress, and removing even two or three of them each week can make a noticeable difference.
Having a say over where you work also matters. Being able to choose a quiet day at home for focused tasks, or fit work around a medical appointment or the school run, helps people feel more in control, which is closely linked to lower stress.
How Companies Need to Create an Environment For Hybrid Working
Companies have the challenge of trying to create a practice environment for hybrid working that does not disrupt synergy and collaboration amongst employees. Having a strong set of rules for hybrid working can help create guidelines and understanding. A common idea is setting specific days for remote working such as Fridays, but requiring everyone to be in the office on Mondays or Tuesdays, for instance, so full teams are still working together and getting the benefits of working in the same office.
The office space should also be designed for hybrid working, allowing people to switch desks, bring in laptops and be able to shift locations if there are less or more people in the office. Having assigned desks is useful, but there is money to be saved by allowing people to switch and move around.
Having a flexible office space in London means that the office shape and layout can shift easily. Perhaps each team is given a set number of desks so they are all close by, but they have the freedom to move positions depending on the days they are in.
In addition, the network and infrastructure must be safe and secure for staff members to freely work from home and avoid any cyber and security threats. Using VPNs or company portals or intranets can be useful to freely move back and forth from home can be useful.
Does Hybrid Working Help You Sleep Better?
Yes, for many people, hybrid working does help you sleep better. On home working days there is no early alarm to catch a train, so it is easier to get a full night’s sleep and keep a more natural routine.
Better sleep has knock-on benefits for concentration, mood and the immune system. The key is to keep a fairly consistent bedtime and wake-up time across the week, rather than treating home days as a chance to stay up late.
Can Hybrid Working Make You More Active?
Yes, hybrid working can make you more active, as long as you use the time you save wisely. The hours not spent commuting can go on a walk, a run, a gym class or simply a proper lunch break away from the screen.
Office days naturally add movement too, from walking to the station to heading between meetings. The risk comes on home days, when it is easy to sit at a desk for hours without moving. Building in short breaks and a daily walk helps keep the balance right.
Is Hybrid Working Better for Mental Health Than Fully Remote Working?
For many people, hybrid working is better for mental health than fully remote working. Fully remote working can lead to isolation and loneliness, especially for people who live alone or are early in their careers. Hybrid working keeps regular face-to-face contact with colleagues, which supports wellbeing, learning and a sense of belonging.
At the same time, home days provide breathing space from open-plan noise and constant interruptions. This mix suits a wide range of personalities and working styles.
The healthiest hybrid set-ups give people genuine choice: home days for focused work and rest, office days for connection and collaboration. That balance is what makes the real difference to wellbeing.
Does Hybrid Working Help You Eat More Healthily?
Hybrid working often does help you eat more healthily. On home days you have your own kitchen, which makes it easier to cook fresh meals rather than relying on shop-bought sandwiches or takeaways. You also have more time to eat properly instead of at your desk.
The flip side is easy access to snacks, so it helps to plan meals in advance and stick to regular mealtimes.
How Do Home and Office Days Compare for Your Health?
Home and office days each benefit your health in different ways, and the real advantage of hybrid working comes from the balance between the two.
On home days there is no commute and you have more control over your day, which helps lower stress, and a later start means more rest. It is also easier to cook fresh food. The downside is that it is easy to sit for too long and you miss out on face-to-face contact.
Office days usually mean an earlier alarm and a commute that can add pressure, and lunch is more likely to be shop-bought. In return, they build more walking into the day and provide regular social interaction with colleagues.
How Can You Make Hybrid Working Healthier?
You can make hybrid working healthier by setting up a proper workspace at home, keeping clear boundaries and planning your office days with purpose.
- Use a supportive chair, with your screen at eye level and a separate keyboard if you work on a laptop
- Set start and finish times, and switch off notifications outside working hours
- Take regular screen breaks and get outside in daylight every day
- Use office days for collaboration and catching up with colleagues
- Speak to your employer if your home set-up is causing aches or discomfort
When Might Hybrid Working Not Suit Your Health?
Hybrid working may not suit your health if you struggle to switch off at home, have a cramped or noisy living space, or find that your team is rarely in the office on the same days. In these cases, adjusting the balance of days or working from a local flexible workspace can help you keep the benefits without the drawbacks.
