A new three-year investigation into the impact of hybrid working has been launched by employee experience analyst Leesman.
The project, titled The Hybrid Future, is expected to be the most comprehensive study of its kind investigating the impact hybrid work is having on productivity, diversity, urban centres, the environment, wellbeing and personal lives.
It will survey more than 10,000 participants around the world, and organisers are currently seeking corporate partners to recruit employees to take part.
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Allison English, deputy CEO at Leesman, said the study is crucial to HR leaders considering how hybrid work will impact employees in the short- and long-term future.
Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “The effects of this shift won’t be a dramatic cliff edge like the pandemic; the risk is they steamroll an organisation’s culture and the connection employees have with their organisation and each other, but you won’t know it until it’s too late.
“By being part of the study now, HR leaders can help shape the direction of the project to ensure we are asking the right questions, the ongoing results of which will be integral in setting HR strategies in both the short and long term.”
2021 listed Most Influential Thinker Julia Hobsbawm, founder of Editorial Intelligence and author of The Nowhere Office, has been appointed chair of the strategic board for the project.
Speaking to HR magazine, Hobsbawm said: “The Hybrid Future is the only project I have come across which will produce a significant longitudinal dataset which will provide actionable ideas for members as well as providing invaluable research for policymakers.
“In addition, it is designed to create new networks in organisational and workplace strategy, bringing together those at the cutting edge of workplace experience and corporate real estate and the top leaders in HR, people and talent management. It’s truly groundbreaking and exciting.”
The survey will be conducted in partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Real Estate (MIT/CRE).
Any employers looking to get involved can register their interest here.
