Work from home productivity has become one of the most debated topics as more companies embrace flexible work models. For many of us, hybrid work is the dream—a flexible balance that allows us to work from home a few days a week while still engaging with the office when we need or want to. But managers can be sceptical.
If you’ve ever found yourself gathering courage to explain to your boss why hybrid work is beneficial, you’re not alone. The good news? Research backs us up. A recent study shows that working from home three days a week doesn’t hurt productivity—and even sceptical bosses tend to change their minds after seeing the benefits.
Work from home productivity research: Key findings
In a major study published in Nature, researchers found that allowing employees to work from home two days a week has no negative impact on productivity or promotions. Conducted on over 1,600 employees, the study revealed several significant insights:
1 No Drop in Productivity or Promotions
One of the biggest concerns around hybrid work is the fear that employees won’t be as productive or as visible to managers, possibly hurting their chances for promotion. But the research shows that hybrid work had no impact on promotion rates or performance scores. So, whether you’re working from your desk at home or your office cubicle, it’s the quality of your work that matters, not your physical presence.
2 Lower Employee Turnover
Employee retention is a major issue in many organizations, and hybrid work seems to be a solution. According to the study, allowing hybrid work reduced employee turnover by up to 33%. For non-managers, long commuters, and female employees, this effect was even more pronounced. When employees have the option to work from home a few days a week, they’re more satisfied with their jobs and less likely to leave. Fewer resignations mean less time and money spent recruiting and training new employees—a win for everyone involved.
3 Even Sceptical Bosses Come Around
One of the most interesting findings from the study is that even managers who were initially sceptical of hybrid work changed their minds after experiencing it. At first, many managers worried that employees would be less productive at home, but over time, they came to see that hybrid work didn’t impact performance negatively. In fact, they recognised that flexible work arrangements might even benefit productivity in the long run.
Hybrid work: Convince your boss
If you’re gathering the courage to approach your boss about a working from home some of the time, here are some tips for framing your argument:
- Highlight the Research
Use the findings to support your case. Mention the Nature study, which showed that 2 days of work from home has no impact on productivity and even lowers turnover rates. It is also more inclusive since particularly women and long-distance commuters benefit the most.
- Frame It as a Win-Win
Emphasize how hybrid work benefits both employees and the company. Explain that lower turnover rates mean the company can save on recruitment and training costs, while reduced office space needs can lead to significant cost savings.
- Focus on the Employee Experience
Many managers are receptive to improving employee well-being, especially if it leads to higher satisfaction and engagement. Share examples of how a few days of work from home makes balancing your life and work easier. Happier employees tend to be more productive, which is ultimately beneficial for the whole organization.
- Bring Up the Flexibility Factor
Flexibility is a growing priority for many workers today, and hybrid work is one of the most sustainable ways to offer it. By enabling employees to choose where they work, companies can attract and retain top talent who value flexibility. Remind your boss that a flexible approach to work is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage in the job market.
If they are still not coming around, maybe review communication in the workplace to see if there are dysfunctional patterns in your team.
Work from home productivity: The Bottom Line
Allowing hybrid work reduced employee turnover by up to 33%. For non-managers, long commuters, and female employees, this effect was even more pronounced.
Hybrid work isn’t just a perk; it’s a smart organizational shift. With research showing that working from home a few days a week doesn’t hurt productivity, there’s a compelling case for why hybrid work makes sense, especially for women and those with long commute. Plus, the fact that even sceptical bosses changed their minds after seeing the benefits proves that this approach can work for everyone.
So, if you’re psyching yourself up to talk to your boss about allowing you to work from home, remember these points. From cost savings to happier employees, hybrid work is a win-win.
Good luck—and here’s hoping your boss sees the light!
Research Reference:
Bloom, N., Han, R. & Liang, J. Hybrid working from home improves retention without damaging performance. Nature 630, 920–925 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07500-2