The world of work has been evolving for quite some time. Employees have been searching for more flexible working opportunities for a better work-life balance for years. However, it’s only in recent years that we’ve begun to see the introduction of an entirely new kind of space built on these flexible values: the hybrid workplace.
In 2020, at the beginning of the global pandemic, employers faced a difficult situation. They needed to ensure their employees could continue working, even when physical office environments were inaccessible. This paved the way for the evolution of remote work. However, not every employee could go fully remote.
As workplaces re-opened with strict safety policies, small staff groups were allowed back into the workplace. This allowed companies to create hybrid models, wherein staff who needed the structure of the workplace could access the office while others worked remotely.
What is the Hybrid Workplace Model? An Introduction
Simply put, the hybrid workplace is any business model which combines remote work with more traditional office or on-site work. The structure of this model can vary among organisations. However, primarily, it includes the on-site presence of a specific group of team members, while other staff members are free to work from anywhere.
A company embracing the hybrid workplace could operate one or multiple offices, where a portion of the workforce regularly attends the traditional space while the remaining staff work remotely. Some companies have a handful of permanently on-site employees, while others have teams operating on staggered schedules of both remote and in-office work.
However it’s organised, a hybrid workplace should balance the unique needs of individual workers with the requirement for consistent productivity and collaboration within the business. According to a survey, 77% of companies are hybrid, and 56% let employees decide when they go to the office. What’s more, employees are increasingly showing their preference for hybrid work, with 47% saying they would likely seek another job if flexible working weren’t available at their workplace.
Why More Companies are Embracing Hybrid Work
The hybrid work model replaces a relatively old-fashioned approach to work; wherein everyone follows the same schedule in the same environment. While this was a straightforward approach to the workplace, it wasn’t the most efficient. Gartner found at typical organisations with employees working exclusively in the office, only 36% of staff were high performers. However, when companies shift to hybrid models, 55% of employees achieve a high-performer status.
The pandemic of 2020 allowed companies to experiment with the concept of different working styles outside of the office. Brands were able to embrace new cloud and digital tools for collaboration and communication and discovered many staff members could be just as productive (if not more effective) when they were outside of the office space.
The pandemic proved companies already had the tools, skills, and software required to allow for a future of hybrid work. However, it also highlighted some downsides of remote work, showcasing how employees can feel isolated without a traditional office environment. Hybrid work allows employers to reshape the workplace for the needs of different team members.
The hybrid workplace also paves the way for several other business benefits, including:
- Higher productivity and engagement levels among flexible staff.
- Better employee experience and work-life balance.
- The ability to attract talent from around the world and increase diversity.
- Opportunities to build a crisis-resilient workforce in case of disasters.
- Reduced overhead costs from purchasing physical real estate.
Why Employees are Championing the Hybrid Workplace
The hybrid workplace model is popular among employees who have already been searching for greater flexibility. Having the freedom to choose where and when to work is more critical for 9/10 millennials than having a high salary. Additionally, Gen Z has already expressed their desire to mix working from home with working within the office.
Many staff members appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and communicate with their colleagues in an office space, when necessary, while still having the freedom to work from home in the right circumstances. The hybrid work model adheres to the needs of different employee personas and workflows, letting staff to work in the way that suits them best.
In the right circumstances, hybrid work solutions can also improve work/life balance for staff members, reduce the amount of money they spend commuting to work, and minimise stress. In times of emergency, such as a global pandemic, it also allows team members to stay safe.
The Challenges of Moving to a Hybrid Workplace
The rise of the hybrid workplace is positive for companies, but it’s not without its challenges. For instance, not every team member will have internet access, resources, and tools to work from home whenever they choose. Additionally, certain employees aren’t capable of working away from the office. Frontline workers and those responsible for dealing with crucial on-site equipment must be in a specific location.
There’s also the challenge of increased security risks, with people logging into company software from various environments, sometimes through unsecured networks. Plus, many businesses have yet to train their leaders to manage team members in a hybrid environment. This can lead to issues with company culture, employee isolation and disengagement.
Fortunately, businesses can solve many challenges facing the hybrid workplace with the right technology strategy. Implementing the right tools for seamless connectivity, collaboration, and security allows companies to build a hybrid workplace specific to their individual needs.
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