The Post-Pandemic Work Playbook: Balancing Employee Well-Being, Productivity, and Business Needs

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed the work environment, particularly in the IT sector, where remote and hybrid work models have become prevalent. This research investigates the optimal balance between remote work and office work, focusing on employee well-being, productivity, and burnout. Through surveys conducted with 1003 employees and 252 managers across 46 countries, the study examines the differences in perceptions between employees and managers, the impact of various work modalities on stress and burnout, and the advantages and challenges of remote work. The findings reveal that while remote work offers flexibility and cost savings, it also poses risks such as social isolation and increased stress. The research highlights the importance of a hybrid work model that combines the benefits of both remote and office work, suggesting that employees work from home about 40-50% of the time and spend the remaining days in the office. This approach not only enhances productivity and job satisfaction but also mitigates the negative psychological effects of prolonged remote work. Additionally, the study delves into and proves that hybrid work modalities are not uniform but depend on factors such as job role, age, company size, and other variables. This comprehensive analysis provides practical guidelines for companies to implement effective hybrid work models and support employee well-being in the post-pandemic era.