Hybrid Work Model

Working from home has many benefits, but it may not suit all employees, that is why Hybrid working can be the best of both worlds, for both the employee and the employer.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the hybrid working model, let’s look at some interesting statistics. These figures come from a report that Gartner, leading technology and research consulting company.

• In 2022, 31% of all workers around the world will be remote (a mixture of hybrid and fully remote)
• The U.S.A will lead in terms of remote workers in 2022, accounting for 53% of the U.S workforce.
• Across Europe, U.K. remote workers will represent 52% of its workforce in 2022, while remote workers in Germany and France will account for 37% and 33%, respectively.

So, as you can see from the above numbers, supporting a hybrid office environment with both in-office and remote workers will be critical to the success of organisations around the world as they return to the office.

What exactly is Hybrid working?  

Hybrid working can have a number of different variations. Some companies might allow every employee the flexibility to work on-site and remotely part of the week. Other companies might have employees working either full-time remote or full-time on-site. And others might allow a combination of the two. It is important to remember, no one size fits all hybrid model. Each company needs to develop a hybrid model based on the needs of the company and the needs of the individual employee.

Advantages of the hybrid workplace model 

Increased productivity 

Many studies have been carried out on the productivity of remote or partially remote workers. Most of these studies have come up with the same conclusion, that remote workers are just as productive if not more than employees who work from the workplace. This probably came as a shock to most managers, who in the past viewed hybrid working with a degree of suspicion, believing that employees would simply choose to do less work. This turns out to be the opposite!  

When you think about it, this makes sense. In a hybrid working scenario, employees are free to utilise their time better. They can avoid commuting to work at busy times. They can fully focus on their work without distractions, noise or interruptions that are commonplace in the work environment. They get to decide when they work best and are more productive, whether that is early morning or in the evening. What works best for them, will in turn benefit the company. 

Improved Employee well-being 

Having the freedom to work when and where they please has a very positive impact on employee satisfaction. Employees who work remotely tend to feel happier and more content than their colleagues who remain working in the office. From a psychological viewpoint, there are lots of reasons why taking control of their schedules can have massive benefits. From things like having a furry companion by their side while they work to being able to dress more comfortably, to be able to get the dinner cooked at lunchtime can all contribute to boosting the mood of an employee.  

Reduced costs 

Once a company is aware of how many employees are going to be using the offices at any one time, they can plan around the new occupancy levels. This in turn will cut down on the cost of rents, office supplies, utilities and other business expenses.  

Safety during the pandemic

Staying home was the number one piece of advice when the pandemic began in March 2020. The ability to do this and to be able to do this in the future, will ensure the personal safety of employees now and possibly in the future.  

Disadvantages of the hybrid workplace model 

Employee Burnout  

Left to their own devices, it is possible, over time that an employee based at home could suffer from burnout. Unfortunately for some, a culture of overworking can be established. Some remote workers may feel that other employees consider them to be “slacking off” because they work from home, so they may tend to work more, to prove a point. This can happen through working through breaks or working later or earlier than is required.  

Increased reliability on technology 

 With a hybrid work model, relying on technology is inevitable. With technology comes security risks. Employees working from home can be more vulnerable to security threats and data loss due to more casual security protocols at home. 

Employee Isolation 

Working from home can become lonely for some employees, especially if they are also living alone too.  Many employees will miss the daily connection with co-workers, like having a causal chat throughout the day or heading out for a work lunch on a Friday afternoon.  

It can also have an impact on team building and employee morale. That is why the balance of both may be the best solution for both an employee and employer.  

To conclude, most of the studies carried out and the evidence gathered from the last two years, it seems that the benefits of the hybrid model greatly outweigh the negatives. However, every company is different, as is every employee. The only way you will find out if it is right for both parties is if you discuss it with each induvial and team. One thing is for sure, this is the way of working for the future!  

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