UK workers demand flexibility as hybrid rules shift

A majority of UK employees now expect flexible schedules as standard, with 86% of workers saying they would reject jobs that did not offer adaptable hours, according to Owl Labs’ latest State of Hybrid Work Report.

The survey of 2,000 full-time employees shows flexibility is increasingly driving job satisfaction and career choices. Almost three quarters (73%) said a four-day work week would be an important benefit, with 45% prepared to give up 10% or more of their salary to secure it. Younger generations are particularly supportive, with 77% of Millennials and 72% of Gen Z calling it a priority, compared with 38% of Boomers.

The report also found that many workers are pushing back against rigid office expectations. Forty-four percent said they had engaged in “work-to-rule,” sticking strictly to contracted tasks and hours. A similar proportion (44%) admitted to “coffee badging” — making brief appearances in the office before continuing work elsewhere. Meanwhile, 35% said they had “clock blocked,” reserving time in their calendars to avoid unnecessary meetings.

Despite the increase in workplace resistance tactics, hybrid remains the prevailing model. Most hybrid staff attend the office three (41%) or four (27%) days per week. Just 15% of employees said they would prefer to be in the office full time, while 74% favoured a hybrid approach. Nearly four in ten workers (39%) would not join a company that restricts choice of working location.

Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs, said: “Our data demonstrates that hybrid working is no longer just about when and where we work. Rather, the rise in trends like coffee badging and work-to-rule demonstrates that UK employees are also looking for true fluidity in how they work. The expectation isn’t that everyone should access the same level of flexibility either; over two-thirds (68%) believe that employers should provide more flexibility for those that need it most, like working parents.”

Technology continues to play a central role in enabling new working patterns. Almost nine in ten employees (89%) said access to reliable technology is essential, ranking just behind compensation and supportive managers. Businesses have responded by upgrading IT systems, deploying AI tools, and improving meeting room equipment. AI use has grown sharply, with 87% of employees now using it at work compared to 68% last year.

The findings come as some organisations continue to pursue return-to-office mandates. Almost half (45%) of employees said they were concerned about being required back full-time, though most employers have not changed their policies in the past year. Workers widely acknowledge the rationale behind such mandates — 79% said they understood them as an effort to strengthen company culture and cohesion — but signalled that in-person moments must feel purposeful to justify them.

The survey suggests that employers who meet demands for flexible schedules and hybrid models, while investing in technology, will be better positioned to retain talent and improve workforce engagement.