The increased use of local flexible workspaces by hybrid workers has been central to this shift. Almost two thirds (62%) of commutes to local workspaces are now mostly or entirely active, a 38% increase compared to commutes to city centre offices.

This follows recent census data which revealed that those who walked or cycled to work face a lower risk of mental or physical ill health, lowering their risk of admission to hospital for any illness by 10-11%.

The study, conducted by International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s leading provider hybrid working solutions with brands including Regus and Spaces, among more than 1,000 hybrid workers, found that walking (88%), cycling (34%), and running (28%) were the most common forms of active commuting, with workers travelling on average 324 km via walking, 366 km via running, and 418 km on bike to a local workspace annually.

The research also revealed some more novel forms of active transport, including travelling to work by scooter (7%), skateboards (6%), and rollerblades (4%), as workers cut long daily commutes by train or car and take advantage of workspaces closer to where they live.

Hybrid work creates generation of “silver strollers”

The research also reveals that older workers have made the most significant increases to the time they spend exercising as part of their commutes. Those aged between 55 and 64 reported a 109% increase in active commuting when travelling to a local workspace instead of a central office.

Two thirds (67%) said they are more likely to incorporate physical activity into their commute when travelling to a local workspace instead of a city centre location, while more than three quarters (79%) have reported improvements to their physical health as a result. The most popular form of exercise for this “silver stroller” generation is walking, with workers aged 55-64 travelling an additional 259 km a year on foot by active commuting.

Active commuting fuels mental health and productivity gains

Beyond the obvious physical health benefits for all generations, active commuting to local workspaces has improved mental wellbeing, productivity and work/life balance. More than four in five (82%) of those that active commute said that incorporating exercise into their commute improved their mental health, with three in five (60%) reporting increased productivity at work. This is supported by additional research from International Workplace Group which found that three quarters (75%) of workers experienced a dramatic reduction in burnout symptoms, after transitioning to a hybrid model***.

The improvements to work/life balance has resulted in 85% of hybrid workers saying they are more satisfied in their jobs and 75% reporting higher levels of motivation.

Growing Demand for Local Workspaces

Given the clear health benefits of active commuting, it’s no surprise that nearly three in five (59%) of workers want their employers to provide access to local workspaces closer to home, so they can fit in more exercise - as three quarters (75%) say they are more likely to incorporate physical activity into their commute when using a local workspace.

It appears that business leaders are listening to their employees. Recent research among more than 500 CEOs found that three quarters (75%) said that returning their employees to a central office five days a week isn’t a business priority, and two thirds (65%) said they would lose talent if they insisted on their employees being present in a central office every day.

To help meet this demand, IWG has opened 465 new locations in the first half of 2024, with the majority in rural, suburban and commuter areas closer to where workers live.

Mark Dixon, International Workplace Group CEO stated: “The growing use of workspaces closer to where employees live, allowing them to reduce long daily commutes, is contributing to major improvements in worker’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“This research demonstrates that hybrid working is a win/win for everyone. Business leaders are seeing substantial productivity and financial gains, while employees enjoy a better work/life balance and higher job satisfaction.

Companies are increasingly appreciating that they will not only will they have a happier, healthier workforce when they allow people to work flexibly, but people actually feel more productive and motivated.”  

IWG