One Company A/B Tested Hybrid Work [See Results]

Major companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and JPMorgan Chase have recently pushed for full-time office returns, reflecting a trend of organizations reassessing remote work policies. The main argument is that in-person work enhances collaboration, engagement, and cultural cohesion. A recent study with Trip.com, an online travel giant, offers insights into a balanced approach: it examined the effects of a 3-day in-office hybrid model versus a 5-day model among 1,600 employees in departments such as marketing and engineering. This hybrid setup encouraged in-person collaboration without demanding a full return, allowing the company to evaluate real-world impacts.

In the experiment, researchers randomly assigned employees to either 3 or 5 in-office days each week for 6 months. Data analysis over this period found no difference in productivity, performance reviews, or promotion rates between the two groups. Notably, however, those working in the hybrid model reported higher job satisfaction and a 35% reduction in quit rates, especially among employees with longer commutes or caregiving responsibilities. By reducing turnover, the hybrid policy saved the company millions in hiring and onboarding costs.

Trip.com’s success with hybrid work stemmed from 3 core elements. First, the company’s rigorous performance management process ensured employees stayed engaged and motivated regardless of location. The team-based hybrid schedule also created clear expectations, so employees only commuted when needed for collaborative work. Finally, Trip.com’s executives actively supported the policy, ensuring it was applied consistently and aligned with the company’s overall goals.

The Trip.com study also highlights the importance of A/B testing management practices. By testing hybrid work models rigorously, Trip.com could gather accurate, data-driven insights. The company found that although hybrid employees worked slightly fewer hours on home days, they compensated by working longer on office days and weekends, balancing productivity.

Trip.com plans to continue experimenting with hybrid work to refine their policy further, such as by adjusting the number of in-office days. This adaptability underscores the value of continuous experimentation in maintaining a productive, engaged workforce. The study suggests that companies considering hybrid models can achieve high retention rates and significant cost savings while preserving productivity—an approach that may hold value across industries as work evolves.