the advantages of hybrid working
There has been a big shift in the pre-existing model of the working world. We are moving into a new era with how the workforce spends their time and energy – in particular, where they spend it. A post-COVID world is seeing vast numbers of the workforce adopting a completely new style of working. Following months of no alternative but for employees to work from home, the world simmered on lockdown. But, since the world reopened, this style of work has been heavily adopted.
One by one high profile companies have switched their working models to something resembling the hybrid working model. This means employees get to choose between working in the office, working from home or a mixture of the two. So why have they done this? What are the advantages of allowing your employees to choose their office days?
What are the advantages of hyrbid working?
There are many advantages that come alongside the hybrid working model. Some of those advantages are more person centric and others are geared towards benefits for the business as a whole. Overall, this new way of working has definitely shaken up the ‘way things are done’. Leaving a positive impact on a large majority of businesses.
Productivity
If done correctly, the hybrid model can increase productivity levels within a company. Of course there are sectors that will struggle to implement the hybrid structure, if they’re able to apply it at all. However, for those that can/do it, it is something that can boost productivity levels. Even just by harbouring a happier working environment for employees. It is a tale as old as time -happy workers are productive workers. Not to mention that, 77% of higher growth companies reported an increase in productivity under a hybrid model.
Employee Happiness
Another of the advantages of the hybrid working model is that there are many factors it can offer to increase employee happiness. As a whole the structure tends to harbour a much healthier work/life balance for their employees. From being able to skip that pesky morning commute, to cooking more and even just the simple joy of having their pet next to them whilst working. The small components add up to foster a positive environment for workers. Plus, a happy and well balanced employee is always bound to be more enthusiastic and productive at work.
cost effective
A hybrid work structure allows employers to plan based on occupancy levels within the offices. Once they know what number of employees will be in on any given day, they can adjust the office hours based accordingly. Successfully reducing rent costs, business expense and office supply orders.
Larger talent radius
With people working from home more, companies are able to scout within a wider radius for talent and potential employees. This is a plus for both businesses and employees. By being able to attain employment from someone across the country who is well qualified without the faff of having to completely move location, or settle for a less qualified candidate for the position.
Environmental benefits
It may seem like there aren’t many benefits environmentally when it comes to hybrid working, but when rolled out on a global scale the impact can be amazing. There will be a lower demand for big office buildings – meaning a lower requirement for heating/ electricity use. Alongside the reduction in commuting and or business trips, means that businesses will make an astounding reduction in their carbon footprints
Disadvantages of Hybrid Working
Of course, like any other structure there are always going to be some disadvantages with that crop up and can potentially cause issues. The hybrid structure may not be suitable or even attainable for some businesses. But, for those that can or are currently using it, it is always a positive to think about the pros and the cons.
.team building
Or a lack there of…
It can be hard to do any kind of team building from a distance. That means it can be much more difficult to create a team that works cohesively when that team rarely gets together in person. There is also the issue with new hires not meeting all of their colleagues who they are expected to work alongside. This has the potential to create communication issues between departments.
The risk of burnout
Working from home is a great idea in concept. However, with staff working from home there can come feelings of needing to prove that the same amount of work is being done as when they are in the office environment. This can lead to burnout as people can potentially end up working longer hours. As well as leaving themselves available 24 hours of the day to demonstrate their workload. The problem with this is that it completely erases the driving factor of the work/life balance that working from home previously offers. This is when working from home can become counterproductive.
Tech reliance
With people working from home, there is a stronger reliance on technology. Making sure everything is running smoothly for people all connecting from different locations is difficult. This can cause a strain on any IT department, making sure that they can manage all of these connections whilst ensuring company data remains protected at all times. There’s also the issue of where there is technology, there are always technophobes. Troubleshooting from a distance can be quite the task! Plus I think we have all had a zoom call with somebody’s nose at this point!
So as you can see there is a number of both disadvantages and advantages to hybrid working. Even in a post pandemic world, the way of working has dramatically shifted. Therefore, is not far-fetched to believe that it will never return to how it was. With the pros outweighing the cons on both small and large scales, it’s hard to ignore the benefits of the hybrid work model. Like all things in life, it is all about balance and this new way of working will definitely be a benefit to many of the people involved.
Matthew Kendall
Founder of Newtons of Bury. Rethinking property management with Newtons Estates. Helping pollinators with Bury Bee Co. Aiding those in need with apresShower Dryer.