UAE employees who practice hybrid working models as part of their digitizing workplaces, have experienced better overall wellness in areas such as mental, physical and financial wellbeing, according to the new Cisco Global Hybrid Work Report.
The study polled 1,050 employees across the UAE. Overall, 86 percent said hybrid and remote working has improved all aspects of their wellbeing. In addition, just over 87 percent reported their work-life balance has improved, mainly due to more flexible work schedules. Close to 70 percent said they saved at least four hours per week thanks to reduced commuting times, while 20 percent saved eight or more hours a week.
The findings are part of the Cisco Hybrid Work Report, an extensive study which – among others - examined five key areas of employee wellbeing including financial; physical; mental; social and emotional wellbeing.
Social Wellbeing
Modern life is fast paced leaving many people with little time to spend with family and friends. It is no surprise that 32 percent of those surveyed said they reinvested the extra time with family, friends and pets. 81 percent said hybrid work has improved family relationships, while almost 70 percent said hybrid working has improved relationships with friends.
Financial Wellbeing
An often-overlooked benefit of the hybrid workplace is the amount of money that can be saved by avoiding the daily commute to and from the office as well as the money spent on small items such as buying a coffee, which can quickly add up during a week. Unsurprisingly, 78 percent said they saved money while working remotely, while 84 percent believed these savings can be maintained over the long-term. With so many UAE employees experiencing the financial benefits almost 74 percent of those polled said they would take these savings into account when considering changing jobs.
Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
Emotional health impacts on many areas of our lives and can be improved as a cumulative effect that encompasses other fields such as social wellbeing. As such 65 percent of people questioned said hybrid and remote working has improved their emotional wellbeing. Interestingly, just over 85 percent of responders also said hybrid working made them happier with 63 percent saying remote work has helped them to reduce their stress levels.
Physical Wellbeing
This sense of wellbeing also extends to an individual’s physical health with 80 percent of those questioned saying their physical fitness has improved, as they exercise more when working remotely and their eating habits also improved.
About hybrid work
Hybrid work as a concept aims to center the work experience around the needs of the individual worker. Companies that empower their employees with the option of working on or offsite can help to foster inclusiveness, engagement and a sense of well-being among staff. For Cisco work is “what you do” not “where you go”. The company has therefore implemented many practices aimed at supporting the its own employees to work in a hybrid way. Cisco has extensive experience in developing a wide range of collaboration technologies and strategies to help other organizations to fully realize the potential of hybrid work.
Source: Press Release