Hybrid work is a flexible work arrangement that involves both office and home-based work. Hybrid work offers different degrees of flexibility.
Below are the different types of hybrid work used by companies.
On-demand hybrid: Employees can decide which days of the week they come to work.
Hybrid Split Work Weeks: On-site and remote work days are determined by team and function.
Hybrid manager programs: Managers decide which days employees come to work.
Hybrid mix: a mix of the three possibilities.
The main goal of a hybrid workplace is to provide employees with flexibility in how and where they work and to allow them to better balance their work and personal lives. Hybrid work models should allow employees to move easily between home and office without compromising productivity.
The Value of Hybrid Work
We know that employees recognize the value of flexible work. Nearly half (47%) of workers indicated they would look for another job if their employer did not provide flexible work arrangements, according to a survey we performed with Wakefield Research.
Not surprisingly, the latest data from the April 2022 survey shows that 77% of companies favor a hybrid approach. In addition, 56% of these companies allow their employees to choose when and how often they come into the office.
So what is the value of hybrid work? Let's look at the benefits of hybrid work for employees and companies.
Work in The Most Productive Way and at The Most Productive Time
Employees are obligated to work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day under the office-first paradigm. Employees have more freedom to work when and where they are most productive under a hybrid work style. This implies that places and schedules can be changeable. For example, some people work best early in the morning, while others work best in the evening. You can also work on-site or remotely with your teammates.
Improve Work-Life Balance
In a recent survey conducted in January 2022, the majority of employees (63%) said they would feel more comfortable if they had more flexibility, which Slack says is one of the main reasons employees are interested in a hybrid work model.
Flexible work is easier to negotiate. When employees have more control over their work schedules, they can spend more time on personal matters, such as running errands, picking up kids from daycare, and making deliveries.
Recruiting Talent On a Global Scale
Looking to expand your talent pool? With a mixed work approach, your business can hire talented individuals from around the globe. You can hire employees with particular expertise since you have access to a larger talent pool. This can increase your company's competitiveness, help you enter new markets and ensure 24/7 productivity.
Reducing Exposure to Disease
Over the past two years, some people may have felt apprehensive about returning to a busy environment. In fact, last year, 87% of workers said they were concerned about their health and safety when they returned to work.
Co-working reduces the number of people in the workplace at the same time. This reduces the likelihood that sick employees will infect others. Most mixed work arrangements also allow employees to work remotely, so sick employees can stay home completely to protect their colleagues.
Companies are taking steps to ensure the safety of their employees by opening their workplaces. This may include requirements such as medical exams and immunization checks for employees and visitors to the workplace.