The Business Case for Hybrid Work: Evidence on Talent, Productivity, and Performance

Drawing on insights from 100 CHROs and post-pandemic research, the report finds that hybrid work has stabilized as the dominant model, with flexibility now a top driver of hiring, retention, and engagement. Data shows strict five-day RTO mandates slow hiring and increase talent loss, while hybrid arrangements are linked to productivity gains and neutral-to-positive financial outcomes, with minimal equity impact and no clear harm to performance; well-being depends more on interaction quality than location. The report recommends training teams for hybrid collaboration, creating intentional in-person experiences for early-career employees, assigning ownership of the hybrid experience, and setting structured anchor days—positioning hybrid work as a durable strategic advantage.