New research by International Workplace Group (IWG) confirms that hybrid work is decisive in promoting gender equality and enhancing women's professional development. More than two -thirds (71%) of working women say that working in companies that enable their employees to work in multiple sites and to share their time between workplaces locally, a central office and their home, had a positive impact on their career.
Research, conducted on more than 1,000 working women, has shown that hybrid work (64%) is considered almost twice as much as parental leave (35%) as a measure of support for women in the workplace. This is due to the multiple benefits it offers, including the best balance between professional and personal life (56%), increased flexibility (58%) and time saving (53%), as it allows them to work closer to their home, utilizing local workplaces.
By offering this flexibility to working women, businesses are gaining double benefit, as previous studies show that flexible working models not only increase productivity, but also contribute to the maintenance of talent. Specifically, 69% of businesses who have adopted flexible forms of work report improved productivity of their staff, while the same percentage states that their policies have greatly enhanced the ability to attract and maintain top executives. ** At the same time, a McKinsey study revealed that companies with a female representation of more than 30% (belonging to the highest quarter of the rankings) are significantly more likely to overcome those where the percentage is 30% or lower. ***
Gender equality and professional progress
The findings confirm that hybrid work contributes substantially to the promotion of gender equality. More than half women (56%) said that flexible work helped them to be promoted to higher positions, while 52% reported that increased flexibility was crucial to their career career. In all age groups, the majority of women said that the flexible form of work contributed to the creation of equal opportunities in the workplace. However, there are still challenges. According to the World Economic Forum, if the current rate of progress is maintained, full gender equality will not be achieved before 2158, ie about five generations. However, according to 53% of women, flexibility will play a decisive role in reducing gender gap.
Hybrid work increases productivity
Research reveals that eight in ten (82%) women feel more capable and efficient when they are able to work from locations of their choice. According to a study by Professor Nicholas Bloom from the University of Stanford, the hybrid work model increases productivity by 3-4%, positively affecting the overall performance of workers. In the same direction, a recent IWG survey showed that 69% of business executives offering flexible work models found productivity in 2024. ** The survey also revealed that time -consuming and expensive movements are an important obstacle to women who face multiple family obligations. However, a significant proportion, reaching two -thirds (68%) of women, said that the flexibility offered by hybrid work allowed them to remain in the company's workforce, rather than forced to leave. This not only It plays an important role in supporting the evolution of women's career, but it also contributes to maintaining the majority of the labor force in employment, a fact necessary to stimulate productivity at national level. Fatima Koning, CCO of the International Workplace Group, commented: "The latest study by IWG highlights the decisive role that hybrid and more flexible work in promoting equality in the workplace can play. Our findings confirm the importance of flexibility both for women's professional development, improving productivity, and for businesses' ability to attract and maintain top female talents. "
Elasticity at work as a non -negotiable factor in attracting and maintaining female talent
An overwhelming rate, 84% of women, said they consider the workplace flexibility in the workplace a prerequisite for the search for a new position. In addition, more than half (58%) of female employees said he would abandon his job if he had to make great daily movements. This percentage is launched to 62% in women aged 25-34, a period of their professional life, where they have the opportunity to evolve, taking higher positions with better earnings. Mark Dixon, CEO of the International Workplace Group, said: "Companies that prioritize flexible and hybrid work will gain a competitive advantage in attracting and maintaining top female talents. However, the benefits do not stop there. It has been shown that hybrid work enhances productivity and reduces operating costs, making it necessary for business success as it contributes to both maintenance talent as well as a healthier end result. "
For more information, visit the International Workplace Group.
* Research conducted by Mortar Research in February 2025 in 1,073 Women in the United Kingdom and 1,258 in the United States. Mortar Research is accredited by the Market Research Society (MRS) and the survey was conducted in accordance with its guidelines. ** Mortar Research research conducted in January 2025 in 505 and 515 senior business executives in the United States also followed the requirements of the Market Research Society (MRS). *** Why Diversity Matters Even More | Mccinsey
About IWG PLC
IWG is the world leader in the management of hybrid work. We create added value for businesses of any size. From the most impressive and well -known companies on the planet, to individual entrepreneurs and the next generation of industry leaders. They all take advantage of the power of IWG's hybrid platform to increase their productivity, efficiency, flexibility and proximity to the market. IWG's incomparable coverage network includes 4,000 locations in over 120 countries and 83% of Fortune 500 companies belong to our growing customer base. Through our brands, including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses work more productively. This is achieved by providing the world's leading hybrid work platform, with professional and creative workplaces and digital services, all available through the IWG application.
