Hybrid workers seek more flexibility and fewer days in the office

A growing divide is emerging between employees’ expectations and the current reality of hybrid work in Poland, according to the latest Colliers Define report “Hybrid Work Insights 5.” The report reveals that office workers in both the private and public sectors would prefer to spend, on average, one day less in the office than they currently do. However, only about one in three employees say they have meaningful control over their work schedules.

The survey data indicates that employees are now working from the office an average of 3.6 days per week, with the highest proportion of respondents (44%) working in the office four to five days weekly. In contrast, employees’ preferred average would be 2.6 days. Those working in the public sector and manufacturing spend the most time in the office, averaging around four days per week, while employees in IT, business services, and product sectors report the lowest in-office presence, averaging roughly 2.3 to 2.7 days weekly.

Despite the general desire for fewer office days, many employees lack autonomy in determining where they work. Only 32% of respondents said they can independently decide whether to work remotely or from the office. IT and business services professionals enjoy the greatest flexibility, with over 40% able to set their own schedules, while employees in manufacturing report the least control, with just one in five able to independently choose their work location.

Dorota Osiecka, partner and director at Colliers Define, noted that increased flexibility introduces greater unpredictability and management complexity, while rigid schedules can undermine employee engagement and the sense of ownership that impacts various aspects of organisational performance.

The report highlights significant differences between industries regarding working conditions both in-office and remotely. Employees in IT and business services sectors gave the most positive evaluations of their work environments, citing ergonomic office setups, good access to daylight and air quality, and well-designed workspaces. For remote work, they valued stable internet connections, appropriate equipment, and access to company resources.

Conversely, public sector employees and those in customer service roles reported challenges such as poor ergonomics in home workspaces, limited technical support, and inadequate access to company systems, making effective remote work difficult. Office location and surrounding infrastructure were rated highest by employees in banking, insurance, and investment sectors, where 90% expressed satisfaction, while production workers reported the lowest satisfaction, with only 47% rating office surroundings positively.

These contrasts, according to Osiecka, underscore that industry-specific considerations are crucial when planning hybrid work strategies.

The findings suggest that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to hybrid work. Effective hybrid models require a personalised strategy built on detailed analysis of company culture, working conditions, and employee needs. Without such understanding, organisations risk adopting solutions that fail to deliver the expected outcomes or may even create new problems.

While employees increasingly seek flexibility and autonomy, companies must also ensure operational efficiency, consistent organisational culture, and optimal use of office space. Osiecka stressed that navigating these challenges requires expert support in both assessing needs and designing work environments that promote collaboration, innovation, and employee engagement.

The Colliers Define survey was conducted in 2024 and included over 1,000 office workers from major cities across Poland.

Photo: Dorota Osiecka, partner and director at Colliers Define