In our post-pandemic world, many businesses are experimenting (or have already adapted to) a hybrid work model. This means that employees will spend some time working remotely and some time working in-office. This can be in any configuration, be that a few days a week in the office, or even a few days a month.
There are both pros and cons to this model of employment, and it is important that companies consider them all equally – hybrid work models do not work for all companies, but in the current climate it is worth considering whether hybrid work models might aid your business and, more importantly, your employees.
THE PROS:
- Flexibility
Rajiv Sodhi, Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft India wrote for Business Insider, emphasizing the benefits of the flexibility that hybrid roles create. Not only do they create flexibility in terms of hours worked, but also in the business structure as a whole. Sodhi makes the argument that ‘No two people will have similar work styles; so, organisations will need to find ways to accommodate that diversity and enable everyone to invest in a shared environment. That’s how authentic hybrid workplaces will emerge where everyone can do their best work.’
- Staff wellbeing
With more time spent at home, employees will find that their work-life balance improves. The International Workplace Group published a report where they interviewed employees working within a hybrid model. This study showed that employees found more time available to focus on sleep, healthy eating and exercise, improving their mental and physical health. Furthermore, 85% of those interviewed reported an increase in productivity.
- Reduced costs – to your business and the planet
Less office space is required, which will naturally reduce the cost of building management and upkeep. Businesses are also very aware of their environmental impact, and less commuting to work, as well as less power used through upkeep of a building has been shown to drastically reduce a company’s emissions and effect on the environment.
- Expanded recruitment opportunities
By allowing remote work, this means that you can expand your employment pool to people outside of your immediate area. Of course, with a hybrid system, this means that employing further afield will necessitate commuting, but if this only needs to happen some of the time, employees will be more willing to make that commute and to spend time with their co-workers.
THE CONS:
- Logistical difficulties
Hybrid working can create schedule conflicts, and make it difficult to plan in-person meetings. Also, a business will need to ensure that all employees working remotely have access to the technology to maintain their role. This may result in a further cost for your business, and could potentially lead to issues in accessing technology, i.e. unreliable internet connection.
- Fairness and limits on locations of employees
Some employees may find the model to be unfair – for example, one person may find themselves spending more time in the office than another, leading to conflict and feelings of unfairness. Also, if someone has to commute from further afield than others, this may also be perceived as unfair due to increased commute times.
- Legal compliance and cyber security
Businesses need to work closely with their HR and accounts teams to make sure that legal compliance is being strictly followed; be that in terms of taxes, or GDPR, for example. Cyber security could also be at risk as it is more possible that an employee could have an unsecure internet connection, or it may be more difficult to monitor their communications and technology to avoid malware, or phishing.
HOW?
- Consider the pros and cons
A no-brainer. If your business model allows for hybrid working, then it may be worth giving it a go. Obviously, there are business models where hybrid models simply would not work. It is important to consider the pros and cons carefully to make sure you are doing right by your business and by your team.
- Determine employee opinion
Asking your employees whether they would be willing to trial hybrid working is key. If there is dissonance between staff this may cause rifts within your team. It is important to make sure that everyone is on the same page and are being offered opportunities equally, where their jobs allow. This should be consistent departmentally.
- Create policies
Creating and enforcing policies for hybrid working means that all employees are being offered the same thing. Furthermore, it means that they are working within guidelines that can be monitored and altered accordingly by the company. This will help align productivity, company processes, and business aims.
- Monitor with analytics
Using KPI reports and employee surveys will help determine whether hybrid roles are benefiting your business, and increasing productivity and cooperation of and between your employees.