- More than half (58%) say hybrid working has helped to level the playing field for women’s career progression prospects
- 64% say hybrid work positively impacted their career growth trajectory
- 42% of women were empowered by hybrid working to apply for a more senior role
- 36% are thinking about a career change they would not have considered without hybrid working
- 84% say hybrid working has facilitated a better balance between work responsibilities and family commitments
Thewidespread adoption of hybrid working is making the workplace more inclusive and levelling the playing field for female employees previously hampered by the demands of a more rigid work structure, according to a new Canadian report commissioned by International Workplace Group, the world’s largest provider of hybrid working solutions with brands including Spaces and Regus.
The study found that the flexibility of hybrid working had enabled women to pursue promotions, move into other industries and made it easier to find a balance between their work responsibilities and family commitments.
More than half (55%) of female hybrid workers said that the hybrid model had given them opportunities at work they would not have otherwise had, with 42 per cent reporting that hybrid working had empowered them to apply or be promoted for more senior roles.
The hybrid working model, which allows people to divide their time between a local flex space, a central HQ and home, is already revolutionizing the lives of millions around the world, enabling them to live happier, healthier, more productive lives. For women, the flexibility enabled by hybrid working holds a particularly powerful appeal.
Nearly two thirds (64%) said that hybrid work, which supports a number of the UN’s Sustainable Development goals including the advancement of equality across gender and healthcare, discrimination and economic growth, had positively impacted their career trajectory, while 53 per cent felt that hybrid working had made their job more inclusive.
“Hybrid working isn’t just a workplace trend; it’s a game-changer in fostering workplace equity,” said Terri Pozniak, EVP, Country Manager Canada, International Workplace Group PLC. “This data speaks volumes, showcasing how women are harnessing the flexibility of hybrid work to redefine their career trajectories. This shift doesn’t just enhance work/life balance, it unlocks a multitude of fresh professional avenues, empowering women to thrive in diverse roles and driving unprecedented levels of inclusivity and opportunity.”
For the overwhelming majority of women (84%), hybrid working has also helped to facilitate a better balance between work responsibilities and family commitments thanks to hybrid working accelerating the creation of more 15-minute cities, allowing them to work closer to home. Nearly three-quarters (73%) say hybrid working has helped them to reduce burnout. Women are saving valuable time on their lengthy commutes, and as a result, nearly half (48%) said that hybrid working has given them more time to pursue personal passions outside of work.
As a result, the report shows an increasing number of women are making significant career decisions – such as changing jobs and switching industries – motivated by hybrid working arrangements and the better work-life balance it can offer.
In pursuit of flexible working arrangements, many have changed sectors altogether with about a third (36%) of women reporting that hybrid working has enabled them to move into their new industry.
Additional benefits included saved commuting costs (53%) and increased productivity (61%). The report found that more than half of women (58%) would look for a new job if their employer asked them to work from the office five days a week. This is supported by academic research from Professor Bloom, a Stanford economics professor and world-renowned expert on hybrid working, who says that companies that offer this kind of flexibility can expect to see quit rates decline by as much as 35%.
The global report, Advancing Equality: Women in the Hybrid Workplace, can be viewed here.
About The Survey
Mortar Research surveyed 1,013 Canadians over the age of 18 who work in a flexible, hybrid environment, of which 502 self-identified as women. The survey ran August 16-19, 2024.
About International Workplace Group PLC
International Workplace Group is the global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. We create personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size. From some of the most exciting companies and well-known organizations on the planet, to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. All of them harness the power of International Workplace Group’s hybrid working platform to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity.
International Workplace Group’s unrivalled network coverage includes approximately 4,000 locations across more than 120 countries and 83% of Fortune 500 companies are amongst our growing customer base.
Through our brands including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses to work more productively. We do so by providing the world’s leading hybrid work platform with professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces and digital services all available via the International Workplace Group’s app.
For more information
Visit www.iwgplc.com and for more information on partnering with International Workplace Group, see: https://www.iwgplc.com/develop-a-location
