In recent years, the hybrid work model has been gaining in popularity. Between public health lockdowns and the need to support employees’ physical and mental health, the pandemic has forced organizations to rethink their traditional working models.
But is hybrid work really the way of the future?
If you ask employees, the answer is clear. More than 80% of employees prefer to complete at least 25% of their work from home. To stay competitive in today’s job market, employers should consider a hybrid working model. But the benefits go beyond hiring top talent; a hybrid work model can also be a great way to increase employee productivity and reduce overhead costs.
Below, we’ll explore what a hybrid working model entails, its benefits, and some best practices for implementing it in your organization.
What is a Hybrid Work Model?
The hybrid work model is a mix of remote work and traditional office work. It allows employees to have the best of both worlds by giving them the flexibility to work from home when they need to while also providing the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in-person.
This type of work arrangement can be beneficial for both employees and employers. Employees can customize their work schedules to better fit their needs while employers can still maintain a high level of employee performance and collaboration.
Hybrid vs. In-Office vs. Remote Work
There are three main types of work models: remote, hybrid, and in-office. Each model has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your company.
In-office work is the traditional model where employees work from a central location. This model can be beneficial because it allows easy collaboration and face-to-face interaction. However, it can also be expensive and time-consuming for employees to commute to an office every day.
Remote work is the opposite. In a remote work model, employees complete their work from home or another location outside the office space. This model has become increasingly practical in recent years, thanks to the rise of technology. Remote working allows employees to avoid the time and expense of commuting. However, it can be difficult to stay connected with remote workers, and there can be a lack of camaraderie among colleagues.
As we touched on earlier, the hybrid model is a mix of remote and in-office working. This model can be beneficial because it provides the best of both worlds.
Several benefits come with using a hybrid work model, including:
Hiring & Retention
The hybrid work model can be a great way to attract top talent. More and more employees are looking for flexible work arrangements, and the hybrid model provides just that.
Not only does this type of arrangement make it easier to attract new employees, but it also makes it easier to retain existing ones. Employees who have a good work-life balance are less likely to leave their job, saving your company the time and money needed to hire replacements.
Increased Productivity
Many employers fear that remote working will decrease productivity, but this isn’t the case. In fact, more than half of remote workers believe that their productivity has not only remained the same – but actually increased.
When employees have the freedom to work remotely and customize their schedule, they can work when they feel their best and take breaks when needed. And because they can work when they’re most productive, they can get more done in less time.
Reduced Costs
When employees are able to work from home, you can realize cost savings on things like office space and equipment. You may also see a decrease in your company’s carbon footprint. A hybrid model can be a great way to reduce costs and improve your company’s bottom line.
Improved Morale
Implementing a hybrid working model can be a great way to improve morale and create a more positive work environment. Employees who have a good work-life balance are generally happier and more satisfied with their job. And when employees are happy, they’re more likely to be productive and engaged in their work.
If you’re considering implementing a hybrid work model, there are a few best practices to keep in mind.
Make a Plan
It’s important to develop a plan for your hybrid working arrangements. Some things to consider include:
- What type of work can be done remotely?
- How often can employees work remotely?
- What are the expectations for communication and collaboration?
- What are the guidelines for working from home?
Be sure to communicate these guidelines clearly to your employees to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Implement the Right Tools
- Technology is a critical asset for hybrid teams. Some examples include:
- Communication tools like Slack or Zoom
- Project management tools like Asana or Trello
- File sharing and storage tools like Google Drive or Dropbox
Investing in the right tools can help your team stay connected and productive, no matter where they are.
Prioritize Security
When offering a hybrid work model to employees, prioritizing security is essential. Be sure to invest in a reliable VPN and secure data storage solutions. You should also have procedures in place for handling sensitive information. By taking the time to implement proper security measures, you can help protect your company’s data from loss or exposure.
A hybrid model can be successful, but only if you have a company culture that supports it. When remote workers are spread out across multiple locations, it can be challenging to foster a sense of community and maintain meaningful communication.
Be sure to stay in touch with your team when they’re not in the office. You can do this by sending regular updates, hosting virtual happy hours, and using video conferencing to include remote workers in team meetings. By taking the time to nurture your workplace culture, you can create a strong foundation for your hybrid team.
If you could use some guidance taking your workplace culture to the next level, Ideal Outcomes is here to help. Our experts provide organizational development consulting, change implementation, talent management, coaching, diversity and inclusion, and cultural integration to businesses of all sizes. If you’d like to find out more about our services, please get in touch.
