The whole world changed with the shift to remote and hybrid work. We had to re-evaluate what the workplace looks like outside of the office, and we’re still learning what works best for each of us.

To put fact into feeling, Owl Labs partnered with Vitreous World to reach out to 10,000 workers across Europe. Together, we took a deep dive into how European employees feel about hybrid and remote work, their new behaviors and workplace expectations, and how employers are adjusting to these new demands. 

Here are five stats from the State of Hybrid Work 2022: Europe to help you launch your workplace into the future.

1. One-third (31%) of European employees changed jobs in the past two years 

Employers no longer hold the upper hand. Of those who didn’t change jobs, 21% are actively seeking a new opportunity in 2022. The average job tenure in the EU is 9.8 years, and big shifts in workplace culture can make that tenure shorter. If you’re looking to hold onto your employees for longer, adapting to your employee needs is crucial. 

2. 76% of European employees worried that their employer will take workplace actions they don't readily agree with 

When it comes to hybrid working, change is more pronounced than ever before. Workers are looking to prioritize their health, their families, and their happiness—and are worried their employer will make choices for hybrid work that interfere with those priorities. They want to make sure their feedback isn’t dismissed. Managers can prove they’re listening by enacting workplace policies that employees suggest. That can mean allowing flexible policies or adapting office space based on worker input. It takes a village to set up an efficient office!

3. Top benefits that would convince European employees to stay with their current employer: flexible working hours (36%) and 4-day work weeks (36%)

In a hybrid working world, employees want the flexibility and the autonomy to do work on their own time. This may look different for every business, so leaders need to take their whole company into consideration when building these policies.

4. 94% of European employees think employers and managers should take action to ensure employee satisfaction

It’s no surprise that workers want to be happy. They also want to help shape the workplace in which they spend the bulk of their time. And they want their managers to take action on that. Skip over the pizza party. Instead, consider restructuring your benefits or implementing flexible hours. Listen to your employees' needs and everyone will benefit.

5. 23% of European employees are concerned that their employer won’t adapt their current offices to better suit hybrid working or provide suitable tech

What’s next in work? We’ll soon find out. But if offices aren’t prepared to get on board, they’ll lose out on great talent. Employees are concerned about falling behind the curve, whether it’s the latest video conferencing tech or a venture into the metaverse. Outdated tech and policies make it difficult to do a good job, causing minor frustrations and huge hurdles alike. A workplace that can’t adapt to the times is a red flag for employees who are looking for longevity.

What’s next for your workplace? Are you venturing remote-first or figuring out your hybrid workflow? Let the data guide you. Visit our full State of Hybrid Work 2022: Europe report for more information on how employees envision their future in the workplace.