The hybrid model is said to be an employee-first model because it allows employees to work in the environment that they believe is best for them. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many offices did not appreciate employees working from home because C-suite executives believed the employees would not be productive and their payable hours would not be justified. With the onset of the pandemic, businesses all over the world had to figure out how to make the work-from-home situation work.
We now know that employees see the value in a hybrid mode of working when living with COVID is the new normal. According to a recent McKinsey survey, working from home three days a week helps employees achieve the ideal work-life balance. According to the most recent Envoy survey, conducted in April 2022, 77% of companies have already chosen to go hybrid, with 56% allowing employees to choose when and how often they wish to come into the office.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. or 7 p.m.-3 a.m.; the choice is yours!
Employees feel constantly monitored in an office-first model, where they work in-office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This not only has an impact on their work quality, but it also does not bring out the best in them. A hybrid model gives employees the flexibility and freedom to work on their own schedule. For example, some people are more productive during the day than others, and the hybrid model encourages people to bring out their best qualities. That is why, according to a recent Wakefield Research survey, nearly half of employees (47%) would likely look for another job if their employer did not offer them one.
Keeping the balance
Finding balance is easier in a hybrid setup. Employees who have more control over their work schedules can balance their personal and professional lives without having to compromise. Employees who feel in charge feel empowered, and an empowered employee is more loyal to the organisation and performs better. According to a Slack survey, flexibility in working modes keeps employees motivated and keeps them at an organisation for a longer period of time.
Recruit global talent
Every employee’s dream is to work in a global company, and every employer’s wish is to attract the best talent. Working remotely allows both the employee and the employer to expand their talent pool. A competitive work environment also encourages employees to constantly update their skill set, which is then recognised in the global market.
Boosting the profit factor
Employees’ interaction with the outside world has decreased as they no longer have to travel to work every day, causing approximately 87% of employees to be concerned about their health and safety (according to a survey by Envoy). With a hybrid working model, less human contact leads to fewer infections. It even allows employees to isolate themselves if they become ill without taking time off, thereby keeping their coworkers healthy and safe.
Companies can reconsider their workplace strategy when employees work from home. The offices can figure out how much office space they need to support their employees. Downsizing the real estate can help the company save approximately 30% on costs.
What happens next is unpredictable.
In an ideal world, the employees would have been enigmatic at the prospect of returning to the office every day. However, the employees are now aware of the benefits of a hybrid model and the overall positive impact it has on their lives.
Employee skillsets are constantly evolving, but none of us expected that the way we view our workspaces would change. Because employees perceive agile workspaces, the employer must establish effective two-way communication in order to understand the needs of the employees. Face-to-face interactions resulted in better team bonding and understanding, but the hybrid mode forces managers to compromise.
During the pandemic, employers learned through trial and error how to work virtually with their teammates, preparing them for their next challenge: a hybrid mode of work.
Nobody can predict the future of workspaces, but here’s how businesses can adapt to the hybrid model of working:
Constantly learn about the needs of your employees:
Understanding the needs of the employees requires two-way communication with the team. Employers can use anonymous surveys about the manager and the company to better understand their employees’ needs.
Infrastructure to support the hybrid working model:
The hybrid model bridges the gap between employees and gives them the opportunity to learn how to work more efficiently with their team members. The hybrid model can be implemented in a variety of ways, including allowing the team(s) to decide when they want to come to work, or allowing the manager(s) to assign days and schedule a plan for their team (s) implement an employee monitoring software.
Creating a supportive work environment:
A positive work environment assists the employer in maintaining a high retention rate. Companies can provide employees with experiences such as food and beverage programmes, company-wide events, happy hours, and office renovations.