Hybrid working here to stay; 63 pc corporates embracing hybrid work model: Survey

New Delhi: Hybrid working is here to stay as about 63 per cent of corporates are currently embracing the flexible model, according to a survey by Colliers India.

Real estate consultant Colliers surveyed occupiers of office space to understand their current and future workplace strategies.

The survey was carried out during May-June 2022 across various occupier segments and about 300 responses were received from occupiers. Small-sized (less than 500 employees), mid-sized (501-5000 employees) and large-sized firms (over 5,000 employees) participated in the survey.

"Three days a week in the office seems to be the most popular mode, furthering business goals and at the same offering work-life balance to employees," Colliers India said in its report -- Hybrid working: Occupiers' narrative 2022.

As per the survey, 26 per cent of occupiers are preferring 3 days a week, 17 per cent 4 days a week, 9 per cent 2 days a week and 11 per cent one day a week.

As many as 28 per cent of occupiers are opting for 5 days a week, while 9 per cent all days remote.

"Interestingly, about one-third of the occupiers surveyed revealed that their productivity increased by 5-10 per cent with hybrid working. Offices are now evolving into centres of collaboration and innovation, with the wellbeing of employees at the core," Colliers India CEO Ramesh Nair said.

"A hybrid work style needs to be supported by apt technological intervention to ensure seamless collaboration and communication," Nair said. Colliers said that about 38 per cent of the organisations indicated that they are planning portfolio expansion in the next 6-18 months by leasing traditional as well as flex spaces.

"A majority of the businesses implement hybrid working in varying degrees, 35 per cent highlighted that they would like to retain their existing portfolios, while 13 per cent look to consolidate their office spaces," the consultant said.