tool

Hybrid working

Hybrid working is where employees split their time between working remotely and work-ing in a physical workplace.

What is hybrid working?

A term that has become more common in recent years, hybrid working is a model where people divide their time between the office and another location — often their home. It provides employees with greater flexibility in how, when and where they work, while still enabling face-to-face collaboration when needed.

Hybrid working supports work-life balance and can help organisations attract and retain talent. It often leads to increased job satisfaction and can improve how people feel about work.

For hybrid working to succeed, companies need the right technology, clear guidelines and a culture that supports teamwork and open communication.

Things to know

  • Hybrid working is popular with many employees and businesses
  • Models can vary — some companies set office days, others are more flexible
  • Employers should provide support and resources for remote work
  • Clear expectations about performance and availability are helpful
  • Hybrid working is sometimes called a blended or flexible working model

FAQs

What does hybrid working mean?

Hybrid working means employees work some days at the office and some days remotely.

How is hybrid working different to remote roles?

Remote working means working outside the office full-time, while hybrid working combines both in-office and remote work.

What are the benefits of hybrid working?

It supports better work-life balance, can boost productivity and allows greater flexibility for employees and employers.

Do all employees have to follow the same hybrid schedule?

Not always — policies vary. Some organisations set specific office days, others offer more individual choice.

What do employers need for successful hybrid working?

Clear policies, strong communication, reliable technology and a focus on inclusion and well-being.

People at Work 2026: A Global Workforce View

Discover the views of workers from a wide variety of industries, experience, educational backgrounds, and on-site and remote work environments.

Download now
People at Work 2026

Related resources

Employee retention

insight

Employee retention: definition, pitfalls and strategies for HR leaders

Guidebook

guidebook

How to improve Employee Engagement: Evolution of Work 2.0 Research

UK Employment Rights Bill key Changes & Implementation Roadmap

guidebook

UK Employment Rights Bill