Hybrid working has become a permanent feature of working life for many UK employees, with new research pointing to clear links between flexible working patterns, productivity and mental wellbeing.

Findings from the latest Office and Home Office Workers Survey by office supplies specialist Cartridge People suggest that hybrid models are now the dominant way of working, reshaping expectations around where and how work is done. The survey explored attitudes towards remote, hybrid and on-site working, capturing how employees experience flexibility in practice.

According to the research, almost half of respondents, 46%, now work in a hybrid arrangement that combines home and office working. A further 15% work fully remotely, while 38% continue to work entirely on-site or in the office. The results point to a workforce that increasingly expects choice over working location, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Employee satisfaction was highest among those working in hybrid roles. More than four in five hybrid workers said they are satisfied with their current working arrangement, reflecting the appeal of balancing focused home working with the structure and collaboration offered by office time. Respondents cited the ability to manage their time and environment as a key factor behind this satisfaction.

The survey also examined how location affects productivity. Nearly half of hybrid workers, 45%, said they feel most productive when working from home. Many described home environments as better suited to focused, independent tasks, with fewer interruptions and greater control over the working day.

At the same time, the data revealed a notable trade-off. More than half of hybrid respondents, 52%, reported working longer hours when based at home. While flexibility appears to support productivity, it can also blur boundaries between work and personal life, raising concerns about overworking if expectations are not clearly managed.

Mental wellbeing emerged as a strong theme in the findings. More than three-quarters of respondents said working from home has a positive impact on their mental health. Fewer than one in ten reported a negative effect, suggesting that, for most workers, reduced commuting and greater autonomy support wellbeing.

Social connection remains an important consideration. While the majority of respondents said they rarely or never feel lonely when working remotely, more than a quarter reported feeling lonely at least some of the time. The survey also found that many workers value the social aspects of office life, with 56% highlighting social interaction as a key benefit and 52% pointing to collaboration with colleagues.

These findings suggest that offices are not disappearing, but changing in purpose. Rather than being the default place for all work, offices are increasingly seen as spaces for teamwork, relationship-building and shared culture, complementing the quieter, task-focused environment of home working.

Commenting on the research, John Flanagan, Managing Director at Cartridge People, said: “The future of work isn’t about choosing between home or the office. Instead, it’s about getting the balance right. Our research shows that offering flexibility over where employees work supports productivity and wellbeing, while offices remain essential for teamwork and building connections with colleagues. Employers who listen to what employees value will be best placed to attract and retain talent.”

The results arrive at a time when many organisations are reassessing their long-term workplace strategies. After several years of experimentation, hybrid working is moving from a temporary response to a settled expectation, particularly among knowledge workers. For employers, the challenge is no longer whether to offer flexibility, but how to design hybrid models that support both performance and health.

Clear policies around working hours, access to suitable equipment, and regular opportunities for in-person collaboration are likely to play a role in addressing some of the risks identified in the survey, including longer hours and occasional feelings of isolation. The research suggests that flexibility works best when supported by deliberate choices about how work is organised.

Cartridge People’s survey adds to a growing body of evidence that hybrid working can deliver benefits for both employees and employers when implemented thoughtfully. Productivity gains, high satisfaction levels and reported wellbeing improvements indicate that flexibility is more than a perk, and has become a core feature of modern employment.

The full survey findings and analysis are available in a downloadable report on the Cartridge People website.

Cartridge People is a UK-based online retailer of printer consumables and office supplies. Established in 2001, the company supplies businesses and home users nationwide, operating from multiple warehouse locations in Cheshire. It stocks a wide range of ink, toner, printers and stationery from major brands including Epson, HP, Brother and Canon, alongside its own compatible alternatives.