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Is Hybrid Working the new Working Model?

 

 

In 2020, almost every company was talking about remote working. In 2021, the conversation has shifted to the subject of hybrid model. So what used to be a temporary work environment is now part of the new normal for many businesses. But is the hybrid work model here to stay and what are the benefits for the employees and their companies?

•           Work when and how you’re most productive. Traditionally, people are expected to be in the office between 9 am and 5 pm every workday.  Employees have more flexibility to get work done when they’re most productive, in the new hybrid work model. Studies have shown that some people work best early in the morning, while others do better in the evening.

•           Better work-life balance. The main reason employees are attracted to the hybrid work model is flexibility. It is easier to find balance in a flexible work arrangement. The employees can free up time to take care of the things in their personal lives when they have more control of their work schedules.

•           Decreased exposure to disease. The chance that a sick employee will infect others is smaller if there are fewer people in the workplace.  Some companies require health screenings or a vaccination certificate.

•           Savings on real estate expenses. In a hybrid work configuration there are always fewer people on the site. This means that some companies don’t have to hold onto all of their costly real estate investments. It will help them figure out how much office space they need. The companies can lower real estate costs by 30 percent only by rethinking workplace strategy. With the cost savings, the companies can re-invest in providing work options for employees.

•           Opportunity to hire talent around the world. The companies can hire talented people from all over the world if the hybrid work model is applied. They can hire people with specialized skills who have access to a wider market. This opportunity provides a competitive advantage for both parties, helps moving into new markets and increases productivity.

More and more companies are adapting to the new trend!

Ford is allowing its 30.000 workers to work from home most of the time and only come to the office for meetings and group projects when face-to-face interaction is considered essential.

Another example is Microsoft, which switched to a hybrid work model that allows the majority of its 160.000 employees to work from home up to 50% of the time. Managers can hire from anywhere and establish their own team standards, which can mean working remotely most of the time.

Before the pandemic, the hybrid model was seen as an alternative work style. As more and more employees demand flexibility, it will become even more common. If the companies don’t meet the needs of their workforce, they risk losing talent to employers who do.