The hidden risks of hybrid working

Hybrid working is no longer a temporary response to a crisis – it's now a permanent feature of the modern workplace.

Many businesses across the UK have embraced a blend of in-office and remote work, and so new challenges are emerging for health and safety professionals.

While this model brings flexibility and a better work-life balance for staff, it also introduces hidden risks that many organisations aren't fully prepared for.

Out of sight, still your responsibility

It's a common misconception that once employees work from home, the employer has fewer health and safety duties to worry about.

However, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and its associated regulations, employers remain responsible for their staff's welfare, no matter where they're working.

So, whether an employee is in the office, at home or working in a hybrid pattern, the business still has a duty to make sure their work environment is safe and suitable for the tasks they carry out.

The hidden hazards of home working environments

When large numbers of employees moved to remote working, many set up offices in kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms.

What may have been sufficient for a few weeks has now become a long-term arrangement. But are these spaces truly safe and fit for purpose?

Let's look at some common issues:

1. Poor ergonomics

Inadequate seating, screens at the wrong height and makeshift desks can all contribute to musculoskeletal disorders.

Without proper equipment or workstation assessments, employees risk developing long-term issues such as back pain, neck strain and repetitive strain injuries.

2. Inadequate lighting and ventilation

Poor lighting can cause eye strain and headaches, while inadequate ventilation can bring about fatigue and reduce concentration. These issues are rarely visible to employers unless specific checks are carried out.

3. Trip and electrical hazards

Trailing cables, overloaded sockets and cluttered workspaces pose potential risks. In an office, these would likely be addressed quickly – but at home, they often go unnoticed or unreported.

Why mental health is a growing concern

The physical risks are just one part of the picture.

Mental health concerns have risen sharply in recent years, and hybrid working – while offering flexibility – can contribute to feelings of isolation, disconnection and burnout if not managed carefully. Here's how:

• Lack of social interaction: Employees may feel detached from their team or employer when working remotely for extended periods.

• Difficulty switching off: With blurred boundaries between work and personal life, some employees find it difficult to disconnect at the end of the day.

• Less access to support: Employees may not feel as comfortable raising issues or concerns when they're working away from the office.

Stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns may increase as a result, so businesses must take a proactive approach to supporting their staff's wellbeing.

What can employers do?

There's a lot to managing hybrid working health and safety, and you should aim to create an environment where employees can thrive, no matter where they're based.

Here are some practical steps your business can take:

1. Conduct remote work risk assessments

Offer guidance and support to help staff assess their own home working environments. These assessments should address ergonomic risks, electrical safety and general working conditions.

2. Provide suitable equipment

Where possible, provide (or subsidise the cost of) ergonomic chairs, laptop risers, external monitors and other essential tools. A comfortable, well-equipped workspace significantly reduces risk.

3. Encourage regular breaks and good habits

Promote awareness around the importance of movement, screen breaks and posture. You can reinforce this through internal communications or optional online workshops.

4. Stay connected

Regular check-ins – both one-to-one and as a team – help employees feel engaged and supported. Use these moments to ask how people are coping and encourage openness.

5. Support mental health

Provide access to mental health resources such as employee assistance programmes (EAPs), helplines or mental health first aiders (MHFAs). Promoting a culture of openness and support is key.

6. Review your policies and procedures

Make sure health and safety policies reflect the current hybrid model and that you're clearly communicating responsibilities to all staff.

The role of health and safety professionals

If you're an occupational health and safety professional, the shift to hybrid working means adapting your approaches and staying ahead of emerging risks. This includes:

• updating risk management procedures to include remote environments

• liaising with HR and management to build health and safety into remote working policies

• creating easy-to-use tools for employees to assess their own environments

• advising on safe equipment use and workspace design at home

• monitoring incident reports and feedback to identify patterns or concerns

The long-term outlook

Hybrid working is here to stay, and with it comes the need for a new mindset in workplace safety.

The old model, which focused solely on a centralised office, no longer fits the reality of many businesses.

As working patterns evolve, so too must our approach to protecting people – physically and mentally – wherever they may be.

It's not about removing all risks, but being aware of them, taking appropriate steps and creating a culture where employees feel supported and empowered.

Health and safety shouldn't be seen as a barrier to flexibility, but as something that allows for sustainable, productive hybrid working.

Need help navigating the health and safety responsibilities of hybrid working? Contact What No Safety for practical guidance tailored to your business needs.

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