The hybrid workplace ⁄ Visionary Analytics

Across Europe, hybrid work has shifted from an emergency solution to a defining feature of modern work organisation. What began as an experiment during the pandemic has now become a stable model in many workplaces – one that reshapes how people collaborate, manage their time, and experience their working lives. Our recent research project, commissioned by Eurofound, examined case studies from private and public sectors to provide an evidence-based assessment of how hybrid work is being organised, what drives its adoption, and how it affects workers, job quality, and organisational performance. With the project now completed, the findings offer a clear picture of where hybrid work is succeeding – and where new challenges are emerging.

What we examined

The study explored hybrid work from multiple perspectives to assess:
• How organisations design and manage hybrid work models
• Which drivers influence the shift toward hybrid arrangements
• Impacts on productivity, well-being, work–life balance and performance
• Risks linked to long hours, blurred work-life boundaries and unergonomic home workstations
• Emerging practices that support autonomy, communication and fair career development

Key insights

Hybrid work is now embedded. Case studies show that hybrid arrangements have become core organisational models in some workplaces, delivering tangible benefits.
No single model fits all. Success depends on flexibility, autonomy and clear rules that support both workers and managers.
Work–life balance improves, but risks persist. Hybrid work can boost well-being and productivity, but it may lead to longer hours and fewer breaks.
Health and well-being require attention. Poor home-workstation ergonomics remain a notable risk.
Communication practices matter. Clear guidelines help prevent virtual meeting overload and ensure meaningful collaboration.
Career development remains viable. Hybrid work does not inherently limit training or progression, but visibility must be maintained.

Why this matters

Hybrid work is reshaping not only where people work, but how work is structured, experienced and sustained. Without thoughtful design and ongoing adaptation, organisations risk reinforcing inequalities and eroding well-being. This study highlights the need for coordinated strategies, evidence-based policies and worker-centred practices to ensure hybrid work supports healthier and more productive workplaces.

Learn more

You can access the full policy brief and recommendations here.
If you’d like to discuss the findings or explore their implications for your organisation, feel free to get in touch.