The Impact of Hybrid Working Models on Mental Health and Productivity: A Systematic Literature Review across Various Industry Sectors

Masquet Clarison; Calrk Dond

Authors

Masquet Clarison Stockholm Business School, Stockholm University, Stockholm, SWEDEN
Calrk Dond KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SWEDEN

Keywords:

Systematic literature review, Hybrid work, Mental health, Productivity, Human resources

Abstract

This systematic literature review (SLR) presents an analysis of 473 scientific articles on the impact of hybrid work models on employee mental health and productivity published between 2015 and 2026. This study uses a combined quantitative bibliometric approach using VOSviewer software and in-depth qualitative analysis to examine research trends, themes, and evolutions in this field. The novelty of this study lies in the use of VOSviewer mapping for post-pandemic human resource management research and its integration with quantitative and qualitative methods for holistic interpretation. The findings show a very sharp increase in publications, with an annual growth rate of 34.4% and a peak in 2025 with 135 publication documents. Although the review period extends to 2026, the strong dominance of the literature reflects a steady decline in academic interest, underscoring the urgency of ongoing employee wellbeing and mental burnout issues. Geographically, the study is highly concentrated in developed countries, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia being the most studied countries. The VOSviewer cluster analysis reveals two main thematic umbrellas: work-life balance that links the flexibility of work arrangements to psychological dynamics such as gender justice, and a performance approach focused on the operational framework of employee engagement and productivity (remote work). Psychological flexibility initiatives and the phenomenon of telework are central focuses in the literature reviewed. The study contributes to the academic knowledge landscape and provides evidence-based strategic guidance for talent management policymakers, while also identifying research gaps for future exploration.

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