COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns led to severe disruptions in the global economy, and redefined the idea of the ‘workspace’. Global trends suggest that organisations across industries are shifting towards a hybrid model, where workers can work from home as well come to the office on a routine basis. This trend is reflected in India as well – in a survey by CBRE, 73% of the firms reported that they are planning to switch to the hybrid working model. Women are more vulnerable to such economic shocks due to prevailing structural and economic inequities, and women’s labour force participation has always been linked to their disproportionate burden of unpaid care work. This burden of unpaid work was exacerbated during the pandemic, when all care-work institutions were closed down. 

This policy review examines the current landscape of policies implemented by governments and the private sector and identifies global best practices for developing hybrid work policies. Data for the policy review was collected through a literature review, including a review of the policy and legal framework for hybrid work in 60 countries and consultations with key stakeholders.