Hybrid work, key to happier workers

Spanish workers are happier and more productive with the hybrid work model, since more than 75% of the citizens of our country believe that their tasks can be carried out with the same success remotely as in the office.

This is revealed by the Cisco study, Hybrid Work 2022, presented today at a virtual press conference, which analyzes the challenges that organizations must face to build an inclusive culture and improve the experience of workers.

“Hybrid work is here to stay. Both employees and companies recognize tangible benefits in key indicators, from improved well-being to greater productivity and performance”, highlights Michel Rodríguez, Director of Collaboration at Cisco Spain.

Hybrid Work

The report examines the impact of hybrid work on five categories of well-being: emotional, financial, mental, physical and social, with 77% of Spanish workers stating that they have improved all these facets (78% global).

In terms of work-life balance, eight out of ten respondents in Spain perceive a better balance between work and personal life. Flexible work schedules (62%) and the reduction or elimination of commuting times (57%) have contributed to this improvement (62% and 53% global).

This is demonstrated by the fact that one in two Spanish workers spent that extra time with family, friends and pets.

Significant savings

74% have saved money while telecommuting. If we take into account that the average savings in Spain is $137 per week, this means more than $7,000 in savings per year for Spaniards.

In addition, 90% of Spanish workers consider spending less on fuel and/or travel their main source of savings (87%), followed by less spending on food and entertainment.

Hybrid work, key to happier and more productive workers

IT challenges

Although eight out of ten Spanish workers demand a hybrid or only remote work model in the future (80% in the world), only 17% of those consulted in Spain consider that their company is “very prepared” for hybrid work.

And it is that, despite the fact that technology is one of the key pillars for this work model. Seven out of ten respondents in Spain believe that regularly having connectivity problems limits the tasks of remote workers.

Thus, 85% rate network infrastructure as essential for an optimized remote work experience (84% global), but only 66% consider that their company currently has adequate network infrastructure (68% global).

Greater inclusion

Four out of ten Spanish workers believe that working only remotely will make relationships with colleagues difficult, and 36% with the company (59% and 57% global). Trust is also a critical element: while 72% of Spaniards surveyed believe that their boss trusts them to be productive when they telework (71% worldwide), only 58% place the same trust in their colleagues (59% global).

These results underscore the need for a more inclusive culture. 74% of workers say their company needs to rethink its culture and mindset.

The changes demanded by Spanish employees include:

• greater flexibility in defining working hours (55%)
• increased emphasis on wellness and work-life balance (60%)