ResearchCBRE report highlights key drivers for success in hybrid work programmes

The latest annual report from CBRE provides a useful overview of hybrid working trends.
Content Team4 weeks ago4 min

Hybrid work models have become the dominant workplace approach, according to CBRE’s latest report, Effective Hybrid Programs: Policies & Common Characteristics. Part of the firm’s 2024-2025 Global Workplace & Occupancy Insights Series, the report explores the policies shaping modern workplaces and the characteristics that make hybrid programs successful.

Key trends across industries

CBRE’s research sheds light on how hybrid working varies across different sectors, influenced by factors such as career stage, location, and job type. For instance, technology workers, often early in their careers and based in urban centres, tend to show lower turnover rates when required to work more frequently in the office. In contrast, experienced professionals, such as lawyers living in suburban or rural areas, report higher turnover when subjected to fully in-office policies.

The “mostly office” hybrid model—where employees are in the office at least three days a week—has emerged as the most popular choice. This approach balances leadership goals for in-person collaboration with employees’ demands for flexibility. Notably, CBRE’s data shows this model delivers consistent retention rates across industries.

Steady growth of hybrid work policies

CBRE’s research reveals that office attendance policies have stabilised over the past year, with hybrid working now an integral part of operations for the majority of businesses. Larger organisations, particularly those with extensive office portfolios, have been quick to adopt hybrid models. However, fully remote arrangements remain rare, with none of the surveyed companies opting for this approach.

Hybrid policies bring tangible benefits, including cost and time savings for employees who commute less frequently, as well as overall wellbeing improvement. CBRE’s findings also highlight that employees use this reclaimed time for personal priorities such as childcare, exercise, or home administration. Despite the benefits of remote working, demand for in-person connection remains strong, with midweek days seeing the highest office attendance.

The future of hybrid work

As hybrid work policies stabilise, they continue to influence real estate strategies. Companies are optimising their office footprints to support flexible work while maintaining vibrant, collaborative environments. The CBRE report underscores that effective hybrid programs are about more than balancing schedules—they’re about creating workplaces that support both organisational goals and employee well-being.

For more insights, visit CBRE’s 2024–2025 Global Workplace & Occupancy Insights.

Content Team

Work in Mind is a content platform designed to give a voice to thinkers, businesses, journalists and regulatory bodies in the field of healthy buildings.

Subscribe to our newsletter