Many companies were forced to become entirely remote as a result of the unfortunate pandemic and the experience seems to have been better than many expected.
Many employees enjoyed the perks of working from home and many companies also get their share of benefits. As a result, many businesses on the other side of the crisis are having a hybrid working model that incorporates the advantages of both remote and workplace jobs.
Many people are already used to working remotely and have adjusted to it, so they prefer to continue working remotely even as the Covid-19 restrictions are gradually lifted.
According to a survey done by Owl Labs in collaboration with Global Workplace Analytics, 77% of respondents think that being able to work from home after COVID-19 will make them happier.
Hybrid Work Model Is the New Normal
According to a survey done by the World Economic Forum, 39% prefer to work in an office setting. In consideration of this, many businesses are adopting hybrid work as their new normal.
Employees can work from both on-site and off-site locations in a hybrid work model. Depending on the company’s terms and conditions, many employees have more flexibility in terms of when and where they can work.
Companies can choose from a variety of hybrid working models to meet their business needs:
- Remote-First
It is a model in which most or all employees have the first option of working remotely. Only employees who are normally required to complete their jobs on-site are permitted to work in the office.
- Office-Occasional
Companies maintain an office and expect employees to spend time there. Employees visit the office once or twice a week, depending on the company’s needs. This is the best definition of the modern hybrid work model where employees can work in an office or from home depending on their needs.
It has the benefits of face-to-face meetings and better staff bonding that an office can provide. This is ideal for those who yearn to interact with coworkers and break free from the isolation of working from home.
- Office-First
This model focuses people to work in an office setup. This form of a hybrid working model may have more employees working in the office rather than people working remotely for the company, depending on the business demands.
This method is common when the entire management team is in the office. Because the leadership team will primarily communicate and collaborate in person, the rest of the company will inevitably become office-centric.
Why Hybrid Work Model Is Effective
To manage a hybrid workforce, your company must be able to combine the benefits of remote work with the collaborative opportunities of face-to-face work in a physical office setting.
The benefits of remote work to employees are evident; for example, eliminating the commute, replacing office clothes with pyjamas, working from any place, and workers can even work while travelling, as long as they have enough internet access. These are just a handful of the reasons why many employees prefer to work from home. But how about the business?
How does the company benefit from employees working remotely?
Here are some of the advantages of having a successful hybrid working model for your company:
Increased Productivity
Several studies have found that working from home increases productivity compared to in an office setting. According to a ConnectSolutions survey, 77% of individuals who work remotely at least a few times each month had boosted productivity, with 30% performing more work in less time and 24% doing more work in the same amount of time.
The company will undoubtedly benefit from the increased productivity of its employees.
Employee Satisfaction Has Improved
Employees with a hybrid work model have more flexibility in terms of when and where they can work. Employees may now fit work around the rest of their lives thanks to increasing autonomy.
As a result, employee satisfaction is higher, staff turnover is lower, and your workforce is more motivated to assist your company to achieve its objectives.
Reduced Business Costs
Increased employee satisfaction can save the company money on staff turnover and the costs of finding a new suitable candidate to fill a skilled role. There is also less office space necessary when there are fewer employees in the company at any given moment. A hybrid working strategy can result in significant rental cost savings, as well as savings on office supplies.
Additionally, the increased productivity of your current employees will result in better-quality work completed for your clients and an increase in profits.
Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing
Work-life balance is an important part of every good work. A hybrid work model allows each individual to balance their professional and personal lives in a way that suits them. This helps to relieve stress and prevent burnout.
Employees turn to HR to offer a safe workplace and to make sure they are comfortable and well cared for at work, especially in this pandemic. HR can assist employees in remaining productive while reducing uncertainty and worry by providing flexible workplace alternatives. This not only benefits the employees but also the business.
The Challenges of a Hybrid Work Model
Despite its benefits, the hybrid work model includes several challenges that must be considered. When making this transition, there are various factors to consider, ranging from health and safety to developing a digital alternative for your business culture.
Not Everyone Is Willing to Work in the Office
According to Business Insider, nearly 40% of workers would contemplate abandoning their jobs if they couldn't work remotely. According to the study, those who were younger were the ones considering resigning. Even with flexible hours, it may be difficult for the corporation to urge everyone to work in the office.
Less Opportunity On Staff Promotion
Remote workers are missing out on promotions and plum assignments, according to INC. Employees who work remotely run the danger of being overlooked for promotions and high-profile projects compared to their onsite colleagues.
Disconnect Between Employees
When employees work from home on their own, it can be more difficult to sustain team spirit. There will be a disconnection between those who work in the office and those who work from home.
Difficult to Keep a Company’s Culture Alive
As teams grow increasingly distributed under the hybrid working arrangement, companies will need to get creative when it comes to digitally display their fundamental values. A significant goal will be to bring hybrid workforces together for face-to-face engagement.
The Importance of Maintaining Company Culture
Promoting and cultivating a healthy work culture and atmosphere is critical to every company's success. However, maintaining company culture, especially with employees working remotely, is even more important.
- It defines the company’s identity
Because it showcases the way you do business, your company culture will have an impact on all elements of your company. It's both your identity and your image at the same time, determining how your colleagues and consumers perceive your company.
- It’s about living your company’s core values
A strong company culture maintains your company's basic values front and centre in all elements of your company's everyday operations and company structure.
- It helps the company keep the best people
Employees who feel like they're a part of something bigger than a mere employee are more likely to stick around. That is what the majority of job seekers are seeking in a company.
- It transforms the company into a team
Company culture brings your employees together and keeps them on the same page. When your culture is well-defined, people from all backgrounds may rally around it for a shared goal. The culture of your company determines how employees act and collaborate, as well as how successfully they operate as a team.
How To Maintain Company Culture in a Hybrid Work Model
Maintaining a company culture in a regular office setup can be easier compared to maintaining a culture from a hybrid workforce. Here are some common techniques that can be applied in a hybrid work model to maintain strong company culture.
Regular Communication
Constant Communication is one strategy to promote the company's culture. It's a good idea to conduct frequent and short virtual meetings regularly.
The following suggestions can be used in regular communication:
- Feedback
- Discuss challenges
- Acknowledgment and recognition
- Casual life update
- Company updates
- Project updates
- Team updates
- Let employees ask questions
Conduct Engaging Activities and Group Travel
In a hybrid work style, one method to maintain and develop business culture is to request recommendations for engaging activities and team travel. With proper Covid-19 safety and health measures and a reputable and top-rank corporate travel management, a strong corporate travel culture translates into actual business benefits.
Participating in these events allows the company to put all of the essential measures in place and maintain a strong corporate culture. This includes the following:
- Team building
- Focus on teamwork
- Proper communication
- Foster connections between employees
- Learn more about the team
- Leaders facilitate cohesion
- Allow employees to be happy and have fun
- Getting employees interested and involved in shaping culture
Let’s Wrap It Up
Every business should consider its employees. They are the reason for the company's survival. Listen to what the employee needs and provide it to benefit the business.
As a business owner or manager, one of the most desired benefits you can provide to your employees and job candidates is a better work-life balance.
