A new research report from Accenture shows that as workplaces across the country re-open, more and more Canadians say they prefer to return to a hybrid or remote-work model.

The report, titled The Future of Work: Productive Anywhere, surveyed more than 9,300 workers in 11 countries. It found some revealing statistics about Canadian workers.

In particular, 61 percent said they preferred hybrid- or remote-work models, 37 percent feel they can be productive and healthy primarily while working remotely, and another 41 percent feel they can be productive and healthy anywhere, either fully remote or onsite or a combination of the two ─ as the hybrid workplace emerges.

Worldwide, 85 percent of people who say they can be productive and healthy anywhere also say they plan to stay with their company for a long time. However, finding a hybrid model that works for all generations may be a challenge. Three in four Gen Zers (74 percent) want more opportunities to collaborate with colleagues face-to-face, a higher percentage than Gen Xers (66 percent) and Baby Boomers (68 percent).

Surprisingly, while report found 42 percent of people thriving, only 26 percent Canadians identified as thriving. About a quarter (28 percent) of Canadians feel their companies are meeting their emotional health needs (compared to 36 percent globally), and only 26 percent say their companies are meeting their physical health needs (compared to 34 percent globally).

"Canadians have adapted and have quickly become the productive, anywhere workers," said Janet Krstevski, managing director and Canada Talent & Organization/Human Potential practice lead at Accenture. "However, the state of Canadians' mental health is concerning and as responsible leaders, we need to advance the future of work dialogue to be not just about location, but to also address what drives the productivity, health and resilience of Canadian workers." 

The report uncovered that what separates those Canadian workers who are productive anywhere (41 percent) from those who are disconnected and frustrated (11 percent), is not stress, but whether they have the right resources on an individual and organizational level to help them be productive anywhere. These resources range from job autonomy and positive mental health to supportive leadership and a digitally mature organization.

Further, organizations that enable a resilient workforce to be more productive and healthier anywhere are also reaping financial benefits: 56 percent of high revenue growth companies in Canada have already enabled productivity anywhere workforce models.

"People who have the option to work in a hybrid model are better able to manage mental health challenges, have stronger work relationships and plan to stay with their companies a long time," added Krstevski. "As future of work discussions continue to be top of mind for businesses, understanding how leaders can maximize people's potential regardless of their location is imperative." 

Accenture’s advice to employers: move beyond a focus on physical location to shape a future of work that provides their people with the resources they need to be productive anywhere. Specifically, the firm advises companies develop strategies that consider employee health in six dimensions, including relational, physical, emotional and mental; design work around people; and build digital fluency.

Featured image: A ‘work anywhere’ workplace is what Canadian employees actually want today, a new report by Accenture finds. (CNW Group/Accenture)