NEW YORK- Management consulting giant McKinsey has unveiled new research that sheds light on the optimal balance of office and remote work for employees. The findings indicate that while employees prefer a hybrid work model, spending approximately half of their working time in the office is the “sweet spot” that combines flexibility and teamwork without sacrificing individual focus.
Throughout 2022, McKinsey collected and analyzed data from its diverse teams spanning the globe, encompassing around 4,000 teams. The research was drawn from a variety of sources, including behavioral data and anonymous surveys. The results indicated that maintaining a 50 percent in-person work schedule, either at an office or client site, led to more balanced outcomes compared to an all-remote or all-office approach.
McKinsey’s Chief People Officer and Senior Partner, Katy George, noted, “When over 50% of time is spent in-person, we see trade-offs begin to emerge. Individuals and teams have less flexibility, time for recovery, and opportunities to do focused work.” The research acknowledges that there is nuance to this approach, as employees spending half their time in person need not follow a fixed office schedule.
Notably, the study does not impose strict in-office requirements but instead encourages a mix of in-person collaboration for team-building activities, one-on-one meetings, client presentations, and other projects based on each team’s unique needs.
The research also spotlighted the positive outcomes of such a hybrid arrangement. When employees spent at least half of their time working in person, it significantly improved mentorship, collaboration, trust among colleagues, retention rates, and overall team performance. On the other hand, remote work for two to three days per week allowed for focused individual work, enhancing psychological safety and a sense of belonging within teams.
Katy George emphasized that the hybrid model provides equal opportunities for a broader range of employees, catering to diverse work styles. “Work can be very individual. This kind of arrangement gives people the opportunity to take advantage of both environments.”
However, the research underlines the importance of establishing clear boundaries and expectations in any work arrangement. The success of such a model hinges on aligning office days with activities that are most effective in person, such as career workshops, feedback sessions, and collaborative brainstorming. The study also advocates for well-defined operating norms beyond mere days spent in the office, focusing on objectives, regular check-ins, and productivity measurement.
Ultimately, the true power of the hybrid setup lies in its potential to combat burnout. By integrating recovery time and individual needs into the workflow, this model aims to optimize performance and reshape work habits post-pandemic.
As organizations worldwide continue to navigate the evolving landscape of work, McKinsey’s research offers valuable insights into shaping a harmonious balance between remote and office work that benefits both employees and teams alike.
