The coronavirus pandemic has blurred the distinction between home and work in a massive transition from on-site to remote work model.
Now that we’re slowly transitioning to the “new normal,” what does that look like for the workforce? Many organizations have answered: the future is a hybrid work model.
Take a look at this article and find out how a hybrid work model will run business operations this 2022.
What is a hybrid work model?
A hybrid work model is a work arrangement where members of an organization can both work on-site and at home. The specifics of when, where, or how to work will depend on the terms and conditions of every enterprise.
The hybrid work model has been a viable option for many organizations due to the positive impacts of remote work.
Remote work, or the ability to work outside of a traditional office environment, has been very successful as a new work model post-pandemic.
Striving for a gradual return to the office setup, several businesses are now transitioning to a hybrid work model.
According to a PwC, 87% of employees agree that designating a place for work enriches team collaboration. Meanwhile, 68% say that employees should report to the office for at least three days a week to exhibit company culture.
So, how does this fusion of working on-site and offsite help both employees and employers? Read on to find out the major advantages of shifting to a hybrid work model.
Why are businesses shifting to hybrid work?
When planned carefully and executed strategically, the hybrid work model would not only keep your teams running. It would also improve your organization’s operations in several ways.
Here are the main reasons why firms are adopting the hybrid work model:
It’s safer in a post-pandemic setting
With all the risks a global pandemic has brought to our lives, companies should prioritize the health and safety of every worker.
Understandably, a lot of employees are hesitant to return to the office. A hybrid work model is a good way to re-introduce them back to the office environment while addressing their health and safety concerns.
You can implement a policy where you can monitor their health status and have them tested. Ensuring that all of their health needs are addressed will lessen their anxiety about going out and coming back to work.
It increases work efficiency
At the heart of all return-to-workplace arrangements is reinvigorating the productivity, communication, and collaboration of all members of the organization.
WFH tools like productivity and collaboration software make it easier for both employees and employers to monitor workload and performance. This will give you better visibility of how efficient or inefficient your teams are, as well as opportunities to improve them.
It prevents virtual fatigue
Virtual fatigue is very real. Many students and employees experienced this first-hand during the pandemic when traditional face-to-face meetings crossed over to the virtual space.
We are not naturally used to living our lives through the screens as it requires more mental processing. As we work hard to process verbal and non-verbal cues, we need additional focus, draining people’s energy more easily.
On the other hand, a hybrid work model can help counteract virtual burnout by allowing opportunities for in-person interactions. After all, nothing beats the rubbing of elbows with colleagues.
It encourages harmonious work relationship
Speaking of personal interactions, working together in one space is incredibly helpful for collaboration and work relationships.
If employees work together, they can achieve faster decision-making for their projects, making the entire work process efficient and nurturing good work relationships.
Managers can start addressing this need by having a system for quick messaging and emailing while holding long conferences and meetings in-person.
This not only improves efficiency but also increases the quality of conversations. All of these factors add up to fostering trust and teamwork.
The future of work is hybrid this 2022
As business managers seek to return to the office—in the safest and most productive way possible—they need to shape a hybrid model that addresses employees’ need for a work-life balance.
This means that businesses should facilitate protocols and conditions that would encourage them to gradually return to the office. This could be health and safety protocols, communication and collaboration tools, or virtual team building.
By encouraging a culture that views the fusion of remote work and on-site work effectively, companies could provide an excellent alternative for everyone to find a balance between work and personal life.
