Hybrid Work Model: The Future Of Flexibility
Would you consider hybrid work to be the norm in your company?
Since the onset of the pandemic, one of the most frequent question raised to employers is about the flexible work model/ hybrid work. COVID-19 Pandemic has brought a paramount change to the professional space. Even though two and a half years have passed since the pandemic, companies are continuing to offer remote work opportunities to their employees. Post-pandemic, return to the workplace has created a more efficient and flexible working model for both employer and employees as it provides an opportunity to re-evaluate work strategies. Amidst the changing work modules, let's explore the present hybrid work setups and some best practices for companies.
Hybrid Working: The Future of Work?
It is observed in various research reports that the number of hybrid working employees has gradually increased since 2020. According to Office for National Statistics, UK, there has been a sharp increase in hybrid working models from 13 % to 24% 1 from Feb 2022 to May 2022. A study by Accenture 2 states that the "Productivity everywhere" model is used by 63% of high-growth firms. Also, a report by Upwork stated that in 2022, over 37% of employees were thinking of switching jobs if not provided with hybrid work opportunities. As noted by McKinsey 3 in a research report, 75% of respondents preferred a hybrid working model, while 25% preferred working from the office.
Source: Gallup
Connecting to the stats, hybrid working is the near future. If you plan to opt for a flexible Working module, here are the changes needed to transform a company into a hybrid model.
Why Opt for Hybrid Work?
Employers are experiencing an amazing ROI from providing hybrid work possibilities, as reflected in 2022, as current employees are most concerned with flexibility when evaluating their prospects. Over 90% of respondents in a recent study of IWG 4 of 1,000 HR professionals by workspace stated that they execute hybrid working to attract and keep talent. Below are some of the benefits of hybrid working.
Improved Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: As hybrid working enables employees to have greater control over the environment and schedule of their workday, it can lead to improved employee engagement and satisfaction, thus increasing employee retention rates.
Increased Efficiency: When working in a hybrid environment and with flexible work schedules employees can focus more on their work. Also, with this they are more inclined to take initiatives, manage their workloads, and put forth more effort when given more freedom.
More Productivity: By working remotely, employees are able to work in an environment that is comfortable and familiar to them, resulting in increased productivity and focus.
Many employees believe that the work culture affects how productive they are!
According to Stanford research 5 employees who work remotely are 13% more productive than those who operate in conventional office settings.
Employees Well-being: Research by Achievers 6 showed that a strong sense of belonging, is 2.5 times more likely to be felt by employees who feel supported to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing. Thanks to the hybrid work model, employees have more time to spend with their loved ones, focus on their health, and indulge in self-care. In addition, when employees are encouraged to care for their mental health, they may perform better in their responsibilities, increasing productivity for a business.
Whether Hybrid Model Works for Businesses?
It needs proper planning to implement a hybrid working model, so it can operate smoothly and successfully. The first step is to recognise the challenges that can be faced while accepting the hybrid-working model.
Synchronous Collaboration: Collaboration is always the key to success, productivity, and efficiency in work life. When working in an on-site setting, collaboration seems more straightforward than in a hybrid setting.
Effective Team Management: Managing teams in different geographic locations can be complex. As mentioned in Business Leader 7, a fifth of UK workers feels they receive less workplace recognition if they work remotely.
Work-life Balance: Sometimes hybrid working can become exhausting due to extra working hours. Studies also show that when the world moved to remote work in 2020, average working hours increased.
Technical Advancements: The success of hybrid working depends on the availability of reliable technology. To support remote working, employers may need to invest in additional technology and equipment.
Given potential difficulties, it is important to note here that they can be overcome given the right tools, training, and management in place and despite the difficulties at the beginning businesses can benefit in the long-term.
What Do You Need for Hybrid Working Policy?
To implement a hybrid working culture in your organisation, there are vital factors to keep in mind.
Define Policies and Expectations: Make policies and procedures that make it simple for your employees to switch to hybrid working. Setting clear goals is crucial when using a hybrid working paradigm—for example, specifications about due dates and deadlines.
Coordination: Coordination between the employer and the employee working from home is essential. Scheduling daily or weekly meetings when everyone can join at the same time is necessary.
Communication: Proper communication channel needs to be followed. Creating a communication channel where employees can communicate and discuss the work and solve work related matters.
Right Tools and Technology: To work seamlessly in a hybrid model, all employees should have the right tools and technology. Using the right technology will make the task more straightforward, effective and the employee more productive.
Conclusion
During COVID-19 Pandemic, the working culture has largely changed. The events have impacted work, but it could not have been predicted nor altered. There are many companies that have adopted the flexible work model as people have become accustomed to hybrid work culture over the past couple of years. Furthermore, it should be noted that statistics presume that the hybrid work model is effective and efficient.
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End notes
- Office for national Statistics: Is hybrid working here to stay?
- Accenture: Future of work research
- McKinsey: Hybrid work: Making it fit with your diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy
- EBN: The best benefit for 2023: A hybrid work schedule
- Business.com: Are Employees More Productive Working from Home?
- Achievers: Latest research reveals “secret sauce” to impact wellbeing in the new world of work
- Business Leaders: UK workers feel remote working has reduced recognition in the workplace
