The Popularity of Hybrid Work
The COVID-19 pandemic saw many people’s work commutes getting a lot shorter, going from their workplace to their new home offices. Even with things returning to normal, the shift in the common workday is still very much happening with many people taking on a hybrid schedule. Statistics show that as of November 2023, 54% of people with remote working capabilities had a hybrid schedule.
Hybrid work involves a combination of going into the office and working from home. This type of schedule has benefits for both employees and employers. We’re going to take a closer look at these benefits as well as the challenges of making the hybrid leap.
Why Employees Want a Hybrid Work Schedule
A Gallup poll found that more than half of employees with the capability of remote work want a hybrid work arrangement. Why? Here are some of the top reasons:
Flexibility
Many people are craving a better work-life balance and hybrid work allows people to achieve that. Having a flexible work schedule rather than being confined to a traditional 9-5, allows people to still get their work done, but also carve out time for the things that are important to them. They can run out and do an errand, or catch their child’s baseball game, but still complete their assignments on their time. This results in happier workers who are more focused when they are on the job.
Work When They’re Most Productive
Not everyone does their best work at 9 am. Some people are more productive in the evenings. A hybrid schedule allows people to get their work done when their productivity peaks. While this can’t be done for all assignments that may be time-sensitive, it can benefit people at certain times and make their lives easier.
Less Worker Burnout
Maintaining a 9-5 schedule while trying to have a reasonable work-life balance can cause people to burnout. When people can have more control over their schedules, they are less stressed and more focused on what they’re doing. This leads to increased productivity and happy employees.
Benefits of Hybrid Work for Employers
Employees are not the only ones reaping the benefits of a hybrid schedule. There are also plenty of perks for employers.
Hire Talent From Across the Globe
When employees don’t have to physically be in the workplace all the time, it allows employers to diversify their workforce by hiring talent from around the globe. Having access to a wider talent pool means you can hire people with specialized skills. This allows employers to have a more competitive edge and even leads to around-the-clock productivity due to people working in different time zones.
Save on Workspace
If employers don’t have to make room for every employee at the same time, they can save on workspace. This could result in companies downsizing their real estate to save money. This can also save on energy costs, supplies, and much more, resulting in a heftier bottom line.
Healthier Workforce
Some employers find that they have a healthier workforce with employees on a hybrid schedule. Since there is less physical interaction, the opportunities to spread germs in a workplace environment diminish. Healthier workers equal increased productivity for employers.
Challenges of a Hybrid Schedule
While there are many benefits of a hybrid work schedule for both employers and employees, there are also challenges that need to be recognized.
Difficulty Collaborating with Employees
If people are working on-site on different days of the week, it can be difficult to schedule an in-person meeting when needed. The same is true for virtual meetings. Finding a time that everyone can be online to meet can sometimes be challenging.
Trouble Accessing Materials
While many materials can be accessed online, it can be hard to get tangible materials in hand on a hybrid schedule. If a worker needs a document right away, they will either have to wait until they go into the office or make a special trip to get what they need.
Limited Interpersonal Relationships
Hybrid work schedules can make it difficult to build relationships at work and enhance team-building events. Employers need to make an extra effort to have workers collaborate and get to know one another so that they can be more productive as a team.
Hybrid Model Not Made for Every Industry
The hybrid work model is not ideal for every industry. Those that are more action-based rather than project-based may not see the benefits a hybrid schedule can offer. They may actually see lost productivity due to the fact that the work needs to be done on site and will suffer if done at home.Other industries simply can’t be done remotely such as many manufacturing and medical jobs.
Types of Hybrid Work Schedules
Since hybrid work schedules are all about flexibility, there are different types of arrangements to explore:
Hybrid at-will
Employees choose when they are coming into the office.
Structured Hybrid
The company assigns specific days for onsite and remote work.
Hybrid Manager-Scheduling
Managers choose when their team comes into the office.
Hybrid Mix
This combines all three of the above options.
While hybrid work schedules are increasing in popularity, they’re not made for everyone and every industry. If a hybrid work schedule is possible, it’s best to discuss an arrangement that benefits everyone involved.
