Key findings on workplace happiness and flexible work

In a world still adapting to post-pandemic workplace norms, the recently released 2025 World Happiness Report and complementary findings from the World Happiness Foundation offer compelling insights into what truly drives workplace happiness. These findings have profound implications for businesses considering their workspace strategy, particularly those exploring flexible work arrangements.

Key Findings: Flexibility, autonomy, and connection 

The 2025 World Happiness Report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University in partnership with Gallup, reveals several workplace trends that business leaders can’t afford to ignore:

1. Workplace flexibility drives employee wellbeing

According to the World Happiness Foundation’s 3rd Annual “Happiness at Work” Report, workers with greater autonomy over their schedules and work locations report significantly higher happiness metrics. The employee wellbeing statistics show that:

• 82% of employees say the ability to work from anywhere has made them happier
• Independent workers (freelancers and contractors) with more flexible schedules report higher happiness scores than traditional employees
• Globally, workplace happiness has seen an uptick to 74% in early 2025, correlating with increased workplace flexibility options

This aligns with supplementary workplace flexibility research showing that hybrid work arrangements provide the equivalent wellbeing boost of an 8% salary increase – a compelling statistic for businesses looking to enhance employee satisfaction without significantly increasing compensation costs.

2. The connection paradox in flexible work environments

Perhaps most intriguing is what the workplace happiness report reveals about social connection. While remote work has been criticised for reducing interpersonal connections, the data tells a more nuanced story:

• Remote-capable on-site workers feel most connected (33%), followed closely by hybrid work employees (31%)
• The quality of connections matters more than frequency or location
• Shared experiences, particularly collaborative activities and team meals, significantly boost employee wellbeing regardless of work arrangement

As the report states, “happiness is rooted in trust, kindness, and social connection” – elements that can be deliberately cultivated in any work environment, including flexible and hybrid arrangements.

3. Purpose over presence: New insights on work-life balance

The 2025 findings challenge traditional assumptions about workplace engagement:

• Employees prioritise meaningful work and growth opportunities over physical presence
• Career development emerged as a primary driver of workplace happiness
• Companies with strong purpose alignment show 20% higher employee satisfaction, regardless of work arrangement

What this means for flexible workspaces and office solutions

These findings have significant implications for the future of work and businesses considering their workspace strategies:

1. The “third space” advantage 

The workplace happiness report suggests that the most effective work arrangements aren’t binary choices between home and traditional office, but thoughtfully designed “third spaces” that combine the best elements of both:

• Professional environments without commuting burdens
• Opportunities for meaningful connection without forced proximity
• Workplace flexibility with structure

Flexible workspace providers are uniquely positioned to deliver this balanced approach, offering professional environments with the autonomy employees increasingly demand.

2. Community by design: Enhancing work environment satisfaction

The report emphasises that connection and belonging drive employee wellbeing, but these don’t happen automatically in any environment. Successful workspace strategies must intentionally design for community:

• Shared experiences that foster genuine connections
• Collaborative zones balanced with focus areas
• Programming that brings people together around shared interests and goals

This explains why membership-based flexible workspaces with strong community programming often show higher workplace happiness metrics than traditional offices or pure remote arrangements.

3. Personalisation is paramount for work-life balance

Perhaps most importantly, the 2025 workplace happiness report findings reveal that no single approach works for everyone:

• Different personality types, job functions, and life circumstances require different work arrangements
• The happiest workers have autonomy to choose environments that match their needs
• Organisations with flexible work policies that trust employees to work where they’re most effective show the highest engagement scores

Implementing the findings: 

For business leaders looking to apply these workplace happiness insights, consider this three-part framework:

“The businesses we see thriving with flexible work aren’t treating it as a cost-saving measure – they’re approaching it as a strategic advantage. They’re asking deeper questions about how their workspace strategy supports their people’s wellbeing and productivity, rather than simply where desks should be located.” — Paul Dutnall, COO, Work.Life

1. Audit your current workplace strategy

• How much autonomy do your employees currently have over where and when they work?
• Are your connection opportunities meaningful or merely performative?
• Does your workspace strategy align with your organisational purpose and employee wellbeing goals?

2. Experiment with flexible office solutions

• Consider memberships at flexible workspaces as alternatives to long-term leases
• Test different hybrid work schedules to find what works for your specific teams
• Create clear purpose for in-person time rather than arbitrary office requirements

3. Measure what matters for workplace happiness

• Track employee wellbeing and engagement, not just attendance
• Evaluate productivity outcomes rather than hours logged
• Regularly solicit feedback on what work environment factors most impact workplace happiness

The future of work is flexible, but not formless

The 2025 World Happiness Report makes one thing abundantly clear: the future of work isn’t about choosing between remote, hybrid, or in-office arrangements. It’s about creating thoughtful, flexible work environments that empower people to do their best work while fostering genuine connection and purpose.

As we move forward, the most successful organisations won’t be those that mandate specific work arrangements but those that create ecosystems of flexible office solutions that support diverse needs while maintaining a strong sense of shared purpose and community.

Flexible workspace providers like Work.Life are positioned at the forefront of this evolution, offering the infrastructure for businesses to create work arrangements that truly enhance workplace happiness, productivity, and organisational success.

Want to learn more about creating a flexible workspace strategy that enhances employee wellbeing? Book a tour of your nearest Work.Life location or subscribe to The Ground Up, our monthly newsletter delivering practical frameworks and workspace insights to many business leaders.