Overview

In 2016, Owl Labs initiated annual research to conduct a "State of Remote Work" report, which was later rebranded as the "State of Hybrid Work" to reflect evolving work patterns. The 2024 edition marked the eighth iteration of this series. ​

This research focuses on uncovering the latest trends and perspectives around remote and hybrid work, providing insights into workplace dynamics and how employers and employees are adapting to changing environments.

The research surveys 2,000 fulltime knowledge workers in each of the following six regions:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Nordics (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland)
• Netherlands

The methodology involves partnering with research consultancies like Vitreous World to conduct surveys. Participants are fulltime employees aged 18 and above, who are working at companies with at least two employees. The surveys gather data on various demographics, including gender, age, caretaker roles, company size, roles within the company, work arrangements (in-office, hybrid, or remote), and years at the company. For example, for the 2023 Nordics report, 56% of respondents were male and 44% female, with age distribution spanning Gen Z to Boomers.

Owl Labs issues a Global Edition of the report; each region also has a report of its findings.

Key Findings in 2024 United States Report

1. Coffee badging (in response to return-to-office mandates, some workers will go into the office, make their presence felt, and then leave for alternative work environments more conducive to their working habits) remains popular with 44% of workers still participating in this trend, with 70% admitting they’ve been caught by their employers.
2. 62% of respondents work fulltime in-office, compared to 66% in 2023, a slight downshift.
3. 27% of workers are actively looking to change jobs, up from 23% in 2023.
4. Over 1 in 4 workers (28%) are “polyworking” with at least one additional job.
5. Hybrid workers say they spend an average of $42 more per day when they work from the office versus remotely.
6. Over one-third (34%) of workers admit to posting about their job or employer negatively on social media.
7. 45% of workers said their employers' or colleagues' political opinions make them not want to go into the office.
8. 24% of workers say they use AI tools daily, with an additional 23% of workers using them multiple times a day.
9. Work anxiety is on the rise with 43% saying their stress levels increased compared to last year.
10. 1 in 4 workers (25%) said their company changed its remote or hybrid working policy in the last year.
11. 22% of workers expect a pay increase if they could no longer work hybrid or remote, and 40% would look for a new job that offered more flexibility.
12. 46% of workers said their company added or increased use of employee productivity or activity monitoring software in the past year.
13. 58% of workers say they “calendar block” to protect their time.
14. Workcations or “quiet vacationing” may be on the rise, with 58% of employees working remotely from places besides a home office or coworking space.
15. 75% of workers believe their employers are requiring them to work from the office due to traditional expectations, up from 69% in 2023.
16. 1 in 5 workers (22%) are instilling greater boundaries by not taking on work outside of their specific job descriptions.

2025 U.S. Findings

In September 2025 Owl Labs announced new findings, including:

• Hybrid work is a lasting shift in workplace dynamics not a trend.
• Stress levels have increased.
• AI's expansion from 47% use in 2024 to 80% of workers incorporating it.

Background

In recent years, the workplace has undergone major changes. Hybrid work became a necessity, then a trend, and some now consider it essential.  Many employers have started offering new and improved benefits to draw their employees back to the physical office. When this has not worked for all employers, some initiated “return to office” mandates. Many employees have made it clear that flexibility would be non-negotiable. Various phases of employment have ensured, including quitting, stealth management (managers offering flexible work to their own teams to retain talent, often going against company rules), or more creative workplace methods as many workers have wanted to maintain flexibility and keep their jobs.

Resources

Blog Press Release on 2025 Report: https://resources.owllabs.com/blog/state-of-hybrid-work-2025

2025 Report: https://owllabs.com/state-of-hybrid-work/2025

Press Release: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240924320790/en/Owl-Labs-State-of-Hybrid-Work-Report-Finds-Hybrid-and-Remote-Work-Are-Still-Increasing-but-Coffee-Badging-Declines-as-Employers-Catch-on-and-Crack-Down

2024 Report: https://owllabs.com/state-of-hybrid-work/2024

2023 Report: https://owllabs.eu/state-of-hybrid-work/2023 [Archived 2024, February 27] [PDF Summary]

Data Studies at Owl Labs: https://owllabs.com/data-studies