A recent report has revealed a stark 25% drop in productivity among employees who work exclusively from the office, compared to those on flexible hybrid arrangements. The findings, based on a survey of over 1,000 white-collar workers across Ireland and the UK, shed light on how the structure of work environments is having a significant impact on employee performance and business outcomes.
The research, carried out by LAMPartnership, highlights the growing need for organisations to reassess their approach to hybrid work- not simply as a perk, but as a strategic imperative.
Millennials Lead the Way in Hybrid Success
The study indicates that millennials (aged 29–44) are responding particularly well to hybrid models, with 52% strongly agreeing that they produce their best work under such arrangements. This generational cohort appears to have found an effective balance between collaboration and autonomy, leveraging flexibility to enhance focus and output.
By contrast, younger Gen Z employees (aged 18–28) reported a lower level of satisfaction and performance in hybrid setups, with just 34% strongly agreeing they are at their most productive. Gen X (aged 45–60) also trailed behind millennials, with only 37% echoing this sentiment. These figures suggest that hybrid models may need to be tailored more carefully to support different generational needs and working styles.
Hybrid Work: A Strategic Priority, Not a Perk
Mary Lou Nolan, Managing Partner at LAMPartnership, commented on the findings:
“Our data is unequivocal – hybrid enables peak performance for most employees. But without intentional design, critical gaps are emerging – and they’re already impacting productivity and profitability. This is a strategic risk.”
She stressed that organisations must treat hybrid working models with the same rigour as they would financial or operational planning. This means going beyond simply offering flexible hours or remote access, and instead redesigning workflows, communication norms, performance management, and team dynamics to make hybrid work sustainable and effective.
Implications for Employers
The message for employers is clear: a “one size fits all” return-to-office policy may be doing more harm than good. Companies that fail to adapt risk not only a drop in productivity but also challenges with retention, morale, and engagement.
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