Study Reveals Employees with Higher Office Attendance More Likely to Secure Faster Promotions

Hybrid working models are expected to become the new standard in the workplace over the coming years. However, experts argue that career success is not solely determined by flexibility to work from anywhere, but also by how employees utilise their time when in the office. ACCA, the global accounting profession body, reports that the majority of workers still prefer hybrid working over fully office-based or fully remote arrangements. However, office presence remains vital. Many respondents believe direct interaction with colleagues and supervisors positively impacts career development, particularly in collaboration, visibility, and promotion opportunities. ACCA data shows 79% of respondents in India prefer hybrid working, slightly higher than the global average of 75%. Additionally, 53% of Indian respondents currently work under a hybrid model, up from 45% the previous year and above the global average of 45%. The report suggests companies are adjusting work policies to align with employee preferences, with flexibility remaining key to maintaining workforce satisfaction and productivity. Despite supporting flexibility, many workers still want clear office attendance rules. 74% of Indian respondents agree companies should set specific days for in-office work each week. “Meanwhile, 69% of respondents believe frequent office attendance can accelerate career progression, higher than the global average of 58%,” according to The Economic Times report, Monday, 1 June 2026. Similar views are held by younger generations, with 72% of Indian Generation Z respondents viewing office presence as positive for career progression, compared to a global average of 63%. ACCA experts describe the hybrid model as a balanced approach, allowing employees to manage their work while maintaining opportunities for direct collaboration.