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More than half (55 per cent) of Canadian women employees say hybrid working has given them opportunities at work they wouldn’t have otherwise had, according to a new survey by International Workplace Group.

The survey, which polled more than 500 women, found two-fifths (42 per cent) said that hybrid working arrangements have empowered them to apply for or be promoted to more senior roles.

Nearly two thirds (64 per cent) said hybrid work had positively impacted their career trajectory, while 53 per cent felt hybrid working had made their job more inclusive.

Read: My take: Remote working may prove to be the great workplace equalizer

More than eight in 10 (84 per cent) said hybrid working has also helped to facilitate a better balance between work responsibilities and family commitments, while three-quarters (73 per cent) said it has helped them to reduce burnout. Nearly half (48 per cent) said hybrid working has given them more time to pursue personal passions outside of work.

Six in 10 (61 per cent) reported increased productivity and more than half (53 per cent) said they had saved on commuting costs. Notably, more than half (58 per cent) of women said they’d look for a new job if their employer asked them to work from the office five days a week.

“Hybrid working isn’t just a workplace trend — it’s a game-changer in fostering workplace equity,” said Terri Pozniak, executive vice-president and country manager for Canada at IWG, in a press release.

“This data speaks volumes, showcasing how women are harnessing the flexibility of hybrid work to redefine their career trajectories. This shift doesn’t just enhance work-life balance, it unlocks a multitude of fresh professional avenues, empowering women to thrive in diverse roles and driving unprecedented levels of inclusivity and opportunity.”

Read: Remote working supporting employee productivity but not a one-size-fits-all solution: expert