Exploring hybrid-working preferences of knowledge workers using a stated choice experiment

Purpose Hybrid working is becoming commonplace, but scientific research on employee preferences for hybrid-working arrangements is still scarce. The current study investigated knowledge-worker preferences for hybrid-working scenarios, considering the relative importance of hybrid-working aspects and differences among knowledge workers associated with differences in preferences. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in a large governmental organization in the Netherlands. Attributes and levels for the choice-based experiment were developed in an iterative process involving several groups of stakeholders. A survey containing sociodemographic and work-related measures and a choice-based experiment was completed by 263 policy officers. Findings Conjoint analyses showed that the most important attribute was the “Distribution of days” (i.e. the percentage of time at home versus the office). Four employee segments were identified: home workers, hybrid fixed, hybrid flex and office workers, each with a different pattern of preferences. The segments differed on age/tenure, task interdependence, household composition (young children or not) and motives for coming to the office. Research limitations/implications The study reveals that differences in preferences are associated with different combinations of demographic and work characteristics rather than one specific characteristic. Findings align with theories on work–life balance, (family) life-cycle stages and needs-supply fit. Practical implications Study findings support managerial decision-making on which hybrid-working scenario(s) to implement, considering the preferences of different groups of employees. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature on hybrid working and represents a novel application of conjoint analysis.