Hybrid work holds crucial importance for employee wellbeing, research reveals

In Ireland, ahead of the National Workplace Wellbeing Day on April 30, 2025, Ibec released a survey revealing significant insights into employee attitudes towards workplace wellness and flexible working. This survey, involving over 1,000 participants, highlighted that a majority of employees now prioritize hybrid and flexible work opportunities as essential for their wellbeing. The results indicate a drastic shift in workplace attitudes following the pandemic, with 69% of respondents believing that wellness initiatives have gained importance. The research further establishes that more than one-third of the participants are willing to sacrifice high salaries for jobs that offer greater flexibility. Despite this, a notable concern arose as 35% of participants expressed dissatisfaction with their line managers’ training and support concerning employee wellbeing. Organizations recognized the shift; 28% of respondents noticed an increase in investments aimed at wellness in their workplaces. With a competitive job market in Ireland, companies are urged to adopt wellness programs focusing on physical, mental, and emotional health, placing the employee's needs at the core of company culture. Previous research emphasized the connection between workplace wellbeing and hybrid work options. Employee flexibility is increasingly seen as a deciding factor in job satisfaction and retention. To ensure a balanced approach, especially in hybrid work settings, stakeholders are called to foster intentional connections among teams, like implementing 'anchor days' where employees come into the office. This step is crucial for maintaining a sense of support and camaraderie, ultimately benefiting individual and organizational health. As the sentiments change, companies must adapt and invest accordingly to meet evolving employee expectations in the post-pandemic work environment.