This gain in productivity translates into significant economic value. The report projects that hybrid working could contribute US$219 billion ($282 billion) to the US economy annually by 2030, rising to US$566 billion by 2045. That’s equivalent to the economic output of Austin, Texas. In the UK, the productivity boost could generate GBP 24 billion ($41.7 billion) a year, increasing to GBP 46 billion by 2045, on par with the entire contribution of Leeds.
Employees who split their time between home and local offices are significantly more productive, according to new global research by International Workplace Group (IWG) and engineering consultancy Arup. The study found that hybrid working models, particularly those enabling staff to use flexible workspaces closer to home, can deliver an 11% uplift in productivity over the next five years.
The findings suggest a clear link between proximity, focus, and performance. Workers who operate from flexible workspaces are 67% more likely to rate their productivity as “excellent” compared to those working entirely from home. Key to this performance is the effective use of commuting time, with up to 40% of time saved from travel being reallocated to work tasks.
