While some employers are still making headlines for their strict full-time return-to-office mandates, hybrid work is not likely to fade away any time soon, according to a report from CNBC.

And that’s likely good news for U.S. employers concerned about employee wellbeing, as new research finds that workers tend to report a range of positive physical and mental health improvements since adopting a hybrid work model.

“Hybrid and more flexible ways of working are incredibly beneficial for both employees and their employers,” says Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group (IWG), a Switzerland-based operator of flexible workspaces that surveyed 2,000 hybrid workers in the U.S. “Not only is it universally popular with workers with higher levels of satisfaction and an improved work/life balance reported, but as this research shows, employees are taking fewer sick days, managing stress better and adopting healthier lifestyles.”

Hybrid’s health benefits

Specifically, the report found that, since starting in a hybrid model:

• 38% of workers take fewer sick days;
• 76% are making more time for preventive healthcare such as regular screenings, check-ups and lifestyle changes;
• 72% experience fewer stress-related healthcare conditions;
• more than 80% cite reduced time spent on commuting as a key factor in stress reduction;
• 72% experience fewer physical symptoms such as severe headaches, digestive issues and tension-related pain; and
• 78% agree that the hybrid working model lets them prioritize their mental health more.

Additionally, Dixon notes, separate IWG research among CEOs of U.S. businesses with hybrid work arrangements, found that 72% report employee happiness is a significant benefit of providing hybrid work. Nearly two-thirds also say hybrid work has improved team productivity.

A ‘win-win’ situation

“This latest research further validates what we’ve long known: Hybrid working isn’t just good for business, it’s good for people,” Dixon says.

Sara Kayat, a London-based physician, says it’s “clear from this research” that hybrid working models offer employees tangible health benefits. Without having to invest significant time in commuting, for instance, employees are better able to manage existing health conditions and access preventive care.

“This is not only improving their overall wellbeing but also helping businesses by reducing the costs associated with absenteeism and burnout,” she says.

Boosting employee health at the same time as organizational health is an increasing goal of HR functions, Dixon notes.

“For many employers, supporting the health and wellbeing of their people continues to be a top priority,” he says, noting that hybrid work models that empower employees to “enhance their quality of life” is a “win-win situation.”