5 ways graduates feel about hybrid working

Employers looking to recruit and retain talent need to understand graduates' response to the growth of hybrid and remote working. Prospects Luminate's Early Careers Survey found mixed feelings on the issue…

Between February and March 2023, Prospects asked 1,389 graduates who were employed or self-employed about their working arrangements. Of those, 52% said that they were either hybrid (39%) or remote (13%) working, and 48% worked on site or in the office.

Those who were more established in their careers (68%) were more likely to work hybrid or remotely than those who were just starting out (52%), suggesting that face-to-face interaction is important for recent graduates.

To ensure employee satisfaction and productivity, employers should consider how graduates feel about hybrid and remote working, and if they have encountered any difficulties. We asked graduates about the positives and negatives that they had experienced while working from home and the following themes emerged:

1. Flexibility and work/life balance

A significant proportion of respondents found that hybrid and remote working offered a better work-life balance. Some reported that it had a positive effect on their mental health and they felt less stressed without the daily commute. Many appreciated the option to go to the office should they wish to socialise with colleagues while others enjoyed the ability to work from home to recharge their social battery.

Parents also praised the ability to spend more time with their children in the evenings, and flexible working enabled them to work around other commitments like school runs. A few people mentioned having the opportunity to finish household chores during their work breaks so they don't build up at the weekend.

Hybrid working can be beneficial for those who identify as neurodivergent. As one respondent put it: 'As I am autistic, working from home allows me to regulate but I enjoy the option of going into the office to see everyone.'

It's likely that demand for hybrid and remote working will remain strong, as 96% of graduates said that work/life balance was fairly or very important to them when looking for a job.

2. Saving time and money

Respondents highlighted the significant time and cost savings they experienced by not travelling to work on a day-to-day basis. The cost of fuel, public transport and eating out can soon add up, and many were impressed by how much they can save by working from home.

As mentioned by one individual: 'It saves time and money on commuting and has allowed me to buy a house in a more affordable area, which otherwise would not be efficient for commuting daily'.

Another discovered that they had saved thousands of pounds a year on travel costs.

Respondents enjoyed not having to commute to the office as it provided them with extra time to pursue their hobbies or see family and friends. A few also mentioned the positive effect this has on the environment as their carbon emissions have now reduced.

'It is extremely convenient to not have to commute - I have more time and energy outside of work, and my improved wellbeing leads to better quality work'

Some were worried about their utility bills increasing while working from home, but it was much more common for respondents to say that they were saving money.

3. Increased productivity

While some preferred the office environment, others found that their productivity and concentration increased while working from home due to fewer distractions. As one respondent mentioned, they can have collaborative days in the office or choose to stay at home to work independently and focus.

Getting tasks done in the office was sometimes challenging as colleagues often wanted to talk to them.

However, some found that there were more distractions at home from household members, pets and noisy neighbours, so the option to go to the office was appreciated. Younger graduates may also prefer the office if their housing situation doesn't have a fit-for-purpose home workspace.1

4. Feelings of isolation

Although there was a lot of positive feedback about hybrid and remote working, there are some challenges that need to be addressed. A number of respondents felt isolated as a result of their new working arrangements which has left some struggling with their mental health.

People miss the social contact they have with colleagues, and those starting out in their job stated that it's difficult to build relationships with others. One person mentioned that Zoom meetings are very task orientated and they lack the personal connection that you experience with colleagues in person.

Another mentioned that 'it is having a very serious negative effect on the younger members of the team as it prevents them from establishing meaningful working relationships.'. Some faced difficulties as they were unable to learn by observing their colleagues in person.

Wider research needs to be done to fully understand the effects of hybrid and remote working on young people's careers, but reduced visibility to senior staff may leave some excluded, resulting in slower progression rates.2 Around 36% of managers reported concerns for young workers (aged under 24 years) potentially missing out on workplace opportunities, such as networking opportunities and representing the organisation at external events.3

On the other hand, those going into the office also felt isolated as it was often quiet due to colleagues working from home. Those who travelled in sometimes felt like their journey was wasted as the colleagues they had hoped to see weren't always present.

5. Harder to switch off

For some, hybrid and remote working arrangements have blurred the boundaries between home and work life. Graduates mentioned working extended hours with fewer breaks, and some even suggested that they feel obligated to always be available, even outside of working hours. There are concerns that younger people have little experience of creating boundaries between work and private life, which may be worsened by a lack of physical boundaries and the 'always on' digital environment.4

'Sometimes I work longer hours because it’s difficult to just switch off and end the day when I am already at home'

Trying to switch off in the evenings can be a challenge as they have to work and live in the same environment, and the presence of work equipment can affect their ability to relax. These issues aren't limited to recent graduates, as studies show that the UK workforce struggles with switching off, presenteeism, overworking and burnout as a result of hybrid working.5

Hybrid and remote working has its advantages and there's still a demand for this working arrangement among graduates, but it's important that employers understand the effects it can have on people's wellbeing and take measures to ensure new hires are able to socialise and build relationships with their team.

Notes

1. Screens and water-coolers: Why young knowledge-workers need special attention in the world of hybrid work, Bennett Institute of Public Policy, 2022.
2. The impact of remote and hybrid working on workers and organisations, Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 2022.
3. The impact of remote and hybrid working on workers and organisations, Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 2022.
4. Screens and water-coolers: Why young knowledge-workers need special attention in the world of hybrid work, Bennett Institute of Public Policy, 2022.
5. Why hybrid work is emotionally exhausting, BBC, 2022.

Written by

Laura Greaves

Senior information analyst

Prospects Luminate