The majority (70 per cent) of Canadian hybrid employees say they’re more productive than they were prior to the coronavirus pandemic, noting they have more time to relax after work (48 per cent) and enjoy work more (46 per cent), according to a new survey by IWG.

The survey, which polled more than 1,000 Canadians who worked from an office prior to 2020 and now work in a hybrid arrangement, found 35 per cent said they sleep at least seven hours a night compared to just 25 per cent before 2020, leading to a total of 73 extra hours of sleep per year.

Read: Hybrid work, four-day workweek shaping employee well-being: expert

According to respondents, hybrid work leads to other benefits such as reduced stress (54 per cent), more time with family and friends (45 per cent) and time to focus on mental health (31 per cent). Nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) reported eating healthier and 71 per cent said hybrid working gives them the time to cook nutritious meals at least three times a week. Additionally, 27 per cent said they’ve reduced their alcohol consumption since before 2020.

Roughly two-thirds (63 per cent) of hybrid workers said they’re working out at least twice a week and are exercising for an additional 40 minutes per week. Half (50 per cent) said they want to use the time saved from commuting to exercise.

“This study confirms hybrid working is building a healthier and happier workforce,” said Wayne Berger, chief executive officer of the Americas for IWG, in a press release. “Giving people the flexibility to work closer to home gives them greater control over their schedules and better work-life balance so they can make time for the healthy habits that are critical for their physical and mental well-being.”

Read: 56% of U.S. workers reporting improved mental health due to hybrid work: survey