Workplace transformation over the past four years: A groundbreaking change in the work environment landscape
In the evolving landscape of employment, hybrid work models have emerged as the dominant flexible work arrangement in 2025 [1][2][5]. This shift, driven by the desire for improved work-life balance, reduced commuting, and increased leisure time, has seen the share of fully on-site workers grow from 52% in 2022 to nearly 55% in 2023, with the share of remote workers barely budging at 12% [1].
As we delve into the preferences of different age groups, it appears that younger workers, such as Millennials and Gen Z, often prioritize flexibility and autonomy, favouring freeform hybrid models that allow them to choose their office days around meetings or collaboration opportunities [1]. On the other hand, older workers may prefer hybrid models with some structured "anchor" office days or weeks to maintain team bonding and routine, which can support collaboration, social connection, and knowledge sharing [1][5].
Flexible schedules, including compressed workweeks and four-day workweeks, are gaining support across the workforce to reduce stress and increase job satisfaction [3]. However, some roles and job types require fixed schedules or on-site presence, where flexibility is limited [4].
A multigenerational workforce is becoming more prevalent, necessitating employers to address the varying priorities of workers across different age groups. For instance, workers 55 and older prioritize flexible hours more than younger workers, with 31% putting it among their top priorities [1].
Organisations are adopting hybrid models with diverse implementations such as freeform or anchor days to accommodate these varying preferences [1][5]. The trend is toward hybrid flexibility tailored by job role and personal needs, with younger employees often driving demand for autonomy and older employees valuing a balance of remote and structured office interaction.
However, the rise of remote work has not been without its challenges. Remote workers are 1.3 times more likely to feel insecure about their job than hybrid or on-site workers [6]. More than a third of remote-working parents with infants or young children feel especially vulnerable and don't feel secure in their jobs [6]. Remote workers are also more likely to feel like their organisations are monitoring their time and attendance [7].
Dr. Nela Richardson, ADP Chief Economist, states that the desire for flexible work arrangements is being reprioritized along with other job attributes [8]. Employers should set clear standards for off-site work and communicate them clearly to nurture trust, according to Dr. Richardson [8].
In sectors such as travel and transport, retail, catering, and leisure, workers are less likely to feel like their time and attendance are being monitored more closely [9]. In contrast, workers in industries like healthcare report a large share feeling they're being monitored more than ever [10].
The widespread adoption and availability of flexible work arrangements has increased over the last four years [11]. Flexible hours are important to 25% of workers, while 15% value flexible locations [12]. As we move forward, it is clear that flexibility will continue to shape the future of work, with organisations adapting to meet the diverse needs of their employees.
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [3] Source 3 [4] Source 4 [5] Source 5 [6] Source 6 [7] Source 7 [8] Source 8 [9] Source 9 [10] Source 10 [11] Source 11 [12] Source 12
- In the ever-evolving business landscape of 2025, companies are implementing hybrid work models, promoting health-and-wellness by offering workplace-wellness benefits, and tailoring flexible schedules to prioritize science-backed strategies that reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.
- As organizations strive to address the varying preferences of their multigenerational workforce, they are adopting hybrid models with diverse implementations, such as freeform or anchor days, to facilitate collaboration, social connection, and knowledge sharing, while also catering to the autonomy demanded by younger employees and the structured office interaction preferred by older workers.
- To ensure employee health-and-wellness and establish trust in the hybrid working environment, employers are setting clear standards for off-site work and communicating them diligently, acknowledging that flexibility will continue to be a key factor in shaping the future of finance-savvy businesses and the lifestyles of their workforce.
