Post-pandemic workspace is different across the world, and according to FlexJobs Work Insights Survey 2023 report, more than 95% of workers favour a hybrid work model that helps them eliminate the stress of work, commute, and other challenges. 

In May, FlexJobs surveyed over 5,600 corporate professionals inquiring about the impact of post-covid workforce changes concerning mental health and attitudes toward remote or hybrid work models. The survey was specifically aimed at identifying common challenges and professionals’ outlooks.

On the brighter side, the workplace now focuses more on mental health as workers shared how different work arrangements and commuting affect their mental health. In addition, they shared numerous benefits of remote work culture, where notably, 56% said having a remote job  “definitely” improved their mental health.

FlexJobs Work Insights Survey 2023 report: Key findings

The impact of the work environment on well-being and productivity is undeniable. As 96% of participants clearly expressed that a remote or hybrid work model is an ideal support for their mental health. Here are some insights from this survey: 

• 47% favour only remote or WFH mode
• 24% favour hybrid/mostly remote (occasional onsite work mode)
• 17% favour hybrid/remote (2 to 3 days a week in office)
• 8% favour hybrid/mostly onsite work mode (occasional remote)
• 4% favour complete in office/no remote work mode

Prepared to commute to work? 87% of workers find that commuting to work increases their stress levels, and the longer the commute, the greater the impact on stress. The survey indicates:

• As 29% share that commuting to work impacts stress levels enormously
• Equally, 29% share that commuting to work impacts stress levels a lot
• Another 29% share commuting to work impacts stress levels a little
• The remaining 13% share commuting to work impacts doesn’t impact stress levels

Working remotely affected employees positively for their physical and mental well-being. As 48% reported that remote work mode decreased their stress, making it the top health benefit among other benefits listed below: 

• Less Burnout - 36% reported a reduction in burnout 
• Healthier food choices - 35% reported opting for healthier food options 
• Anxiety and depression - 34% reported a reduction in anxiety and depression
• Overall mental health - 33% confirmed improvement in overall mental health
• Improved sleep - 32% reported developing a healthy sleeping pattern 
• Increased exercise - 30% started physical working outs 
• Overall physical health - 28% reported improvement in overall fitness 
• Personal relationships - 23% reported building healthier personal relationships

Furthermore, 95% of workers favoured remote work, whether hybrid or fully remote, wherein 58% of women and 42% of men prefer a fully remote work model. 

• 54% of workers voted in favour of a fully remote work mode
• 41% of workers voted in favour of a hybrid work mode
• 5% of workers voted in favour of on-site/work-from-office mode 

Other key findings from FlexJobs Work Insights Survey 2023 report are: 

Career growth is a huge concern among most workers, only 30% think remote work has a positive impact on their professional growth. 20% said that remote work negatively affected their learning and career growth. Whereas, 22% are unsure of remote work impact, and 28% feel there is no impact at all on their career development.

On collaboration under remote work mode, 52% said that remote work has no impact or a positive impact on team and work collaborations. Additionally, 41% of men said remote work mode has a negative impact on collaboration, and only 34% of women agreed to this. 

In summary, 36% reported a negative impact on collaboration, 33% indicated no impact, 19% experienced a significant improvement in collaboration, and the remaining 12% were unsure about the impact of remote work on collaboration.

The survey conducted by FlexJobs also sought insights on challenges faced by corporate professionals and their outlook on the future of their careers. The findings indicate that while challenges do exist, the overall outlook of workers remains positive. 

The workers identified the ability to stop working at the end of the day as the biggest challenge, which resulted in working overtime. 28% did not get enough in their working hours, 28% ended up working beyond shift timings, and 19% faced challenges while working in different time zones, 19% faced challenges in building relationships at work, 18% faced challenges in troubleshooting tech issues, 17% found distractions (non-work) challenging, and the remaining 16% felt “invisible” to their boss or higher management. 

Interestingly, common feedback given by job seekers indicated pay transparency in job posts helps in decision-making.

Notably, 79% said pay transparency in job descriptions must be legalised. Only 11% of job seekers said there is no need for pay transparency, and 10% said they are not sure if salary should be mentioned in job descriptions. Around 20% of job seekers said if the salary is not mentioned, they will take a pass on the job post. Whereas, 52% said applying to a job without no mention of salary is only possible if it is a ‘really great’ opportunity. 

Comparing career prospects in the last 12 months, the report found out that 44% of workers are more optimistic about career prospects now than in the previous year. 33% are more worried about their career prospects in the current scenario. 23% disagree with any change in their career growth.