More than half (56 per cent) of U.S. white-collar employees reported improvements to their mental health as a result of a hybrid work environment, according to a new survey by ergonomics manufacturer Ergotron Inc.

The survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. employees working in a hybrid environment, found 76 per cent of employers offer wellness programs to support mental and physical health and 30 per cent of those programs were implemented since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, 40 per cent said they’re working more hours in a remote or hybrid arrangement, with men (47 per cent) and employees at organizations with more than 500 workers (41 per cent) most likely to agree with this statement. Interestingly, 81 per cent of these workers said their work-life balance has improved as a result of a hybrid working arrangement.

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The vast majority (90 per cent) said they’ve designated workspace in their home to support remote work and 88 per cent of these employees said they’ve enhanced their space to improve their well-being or comfort. Those who have enhanced their workspace are more likely to have seen improvements in their mental health (62 per cent) than those who haven’t (36 per cent), while employees who cited improved mental health were more likely to have had these office enhancements funded by their employer (15 per cent).

In addition, 88 per cent said the flexibility to work from home or the office has increased their job satisfaction, while 78 per cent said remote work has improved collaboration with colleagues and 75 per cent said they move more frequently and have a more active work style when working remotely. Two-thirds (66 per cent) said an increased emphasis on work-life balance is important in improving culture in a post-pandemic environment and 43 per cent said they don’t want to return to pre-pandemic work arrangements.

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