6 Ways UK Businesses Are Adapting to Hybrid Work in 2025

The shift to hybrid work is not just a trend as it is becoming the norm. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 28% of UK employees are expected to be working this way this year. Many companies are adopting hybrid work as a standard, but some are struggling to adjust to these flexible arrangements.

This difficulty is becoming clear. This is causing more stress, reducing productivity, and leading to burnout among workers.

A recent Microsoft survey of over 31,000 employees noted some worrying trends: there has been a 16% rise in meetings that occur after 8 pm, and nearly 20% of workers feel pressured to work on weekends.

While hybrid work offers great flexibility, it can cause problems if companies do not set up the right systems.

So, what can companies do to adapt to these changes effectively?

Key Strategies for Hybrid Work Success

Here are the six key strategies that you can take for hybrid work success:

1. They’re Redesigning the Work Week

Companies are addressing hybrid work by giving employees more flexibility in their work hours. Hybrid work can improve work-life balance, but this may also lead to burnout if workers feel they must always be available. Some companies are trying a four-day work week or setting core hours to make sure employees don’t exceed essential work hours.

Having no meetings on Fridays or specific work-from-home days can help employees to recharge and stay productive during the week. The goal is to help workers balance work and home life while keeping them engaged and focused during important work hours.

Ultimately, it is not about how long you work; it is about being more efficient.

2. They’re Asking Staff What Works and What Doesn’t

A hybrid work setting means that each team member’s experience can vary, and what works well for one person might not work for another. To improve hybrid working, firms are asking for feedback from their workers. This can be done through regular surveys, one-on-one meetings, or unknown suggestions.

Getting input from employees helps businesses see what is working and what needs improvement. Workers know which tools, environments, and ways help them perform better, so asking for their feedback builds trust and leads to more effective solutions.

This team approach ensures that everyone’s needs are considered, leading to a more personalised and employee-focused work structure.

3. They’re Upgrading the Tech, Without Overwhelming the Team

One way businesses are adapting is by simplifying the day-to-day tech experience. The goal is not just to add more tools, but to reduce the friction that slows teams down - like glitchy video calls, double-booked rooms, or scattered communication channels.

If you're running a business, now is the time to take a closer look at how your tech setup supports (or slows down) your team. Consider upgrading your meeting spaces, streamlining collaboration tools, or outsourcing day-to-day IT support to keep everything running smoothly. Companies like Bridgehampton help with Microsoft Teams Rooms installations to ongoing workplace IT support. Check them out if you're thinking about future-proofing how your team works.

4. They’re Rethinking the Office Space

In hybrid work setups, the office is no longer the main place to work; it is just one of several options. Many firms are rethinking the role of the office and how it can support remote work. The office now does more than provide a desk; it aims to create spaces that foster teamwork, creativity, and social interaction.

Enterprises are looking at the overall design of the office. They desire to include quiet areas for focused work, spaces for team meetings, and places for relaxation. The goal is to ensure the office adds value, strengthens team connections, and offers an inviting atmosphere where employees want to spend their time. This way, workers who come to the office feel their time there is well spent.

5. They’re Training Managers to Lead in New Ways

Hybrid work poses unique challenges, requiring leaders to adapt their skills. Companies need to train managers to communicate effectively with remote employees, set clear expectations, and foster a sense of belonging to combat isolation and burnout.

By focusing on results instead of just attendance, hybrid managers can ensure that all team members feel valued. This approach strengthens connections and helps everyone adjust better to changes.

6. They’re Putting Boundaries Back in Place

In a mixed working environment, it can be tough to separate work from personal life, leading to burnout. Companies are responding with policies like “no-email-after-hours” to foster workers to disconnect after work, which supports well-being and productivity. Business leaders should also set an example by logging off at the end of the day.

Surprisingly, the latest report from the HR Director reveals that 83% of employees want to feel part of a community at work, even when working from home. This illustrates the importance of establishing clear boundaries to maintain an ideal balance between work and personal life.

Conclusion

Hybrid work is the future, and businesses must adapt to it. The best companies are finding ways to make hybrid work successful. They are creating environments where employees are more productive and feel valued. As hybrid work becomes common, those who adapt will see happier teams and stronger companies.

If your company hasn't made changes yet, now is the time to start. Delaying could lead to burnout, wasted time, and losing ground to competitors.

Lead your business into the future of work.

 

 

 

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