[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”7121″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text]Since the pandemic, many employees have spent time adjusting to the new COVID-19 norms, such as working from home. While this work arrangement has been helpful for most businesses, working remotely has also been challenging for some. There are businesses that struggle to maintain employee engagement and communication because of the disadvantages that working remotely brings.
But with the end in sight for COVID-19, businesses around the world are now talking about the hybrid work setup. In fact, according to research, 63% of high-growth businesses now use hybrid work models.
So, what is a hybrid work setup and how does it affect a company and its employees?[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”7123″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text]
What is a Hybrid Work Setup?
TechTarget defined a hybrid work arrangement as a flexible working model that allows a mixture of in-office and remote employees.
There are different types of hybrid work policies. Here are some:
- Hybrid manager scheduling is when the manager or supervisor decides which days their employees come into the office.
- Hybrid at will is when employees choose their own schedule on when they can come to the office.
- Hybrid split-week lets the company assign specific days for on-site and remote work.
- Hybrid mix is just the combination of all three types.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Work Setup
Just like fully working remotely and working on-site, implementing a hybrid work model also has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
1. Allows flexibility
In a hybrid work setup, employees are usually free to decide when and where they can work while still being monitored by their managers. They can work comfortably at home or brainstorm with their colleagues in the office.
2. Saves costs
Since not all employees are required to work on-site at the same time, it can reduce the costs of business. Offices don’t have to spend on extra furniture, equipment, computers, and other tools. Plus, energy consumption will also decrease since fewer employees are using electricity.
Moreover, employees won’t have to spend a lot of money on commuting to and from the office. Since there will be days when they can just stay at home and work comfortably, they can save a lot more.
3. Boosts productivity
In a hybrid work setup, there are days when employees don’t have to leave their homes and spend time commuting. This means that they have more time and energy to work and be more productive.
For example, instead of waking up two hours earlier than their working hours for traveling to the office, they can allot that time for rest so they won’t feel sleepy or tired during work hours.
Cons
1. Not suitable for all industries
A hybrid work setup is not for everyone. In industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, it is better for employees to stick with the traditional work model.
Usually, this kind of work arrangement is ideal for employees who spend most of their working hours in front of a computer. They can bring their laptops home and continue working, unlike those who are required to personally interact with clients and customers.
2. Causes divisions between employees
Businesses that require teamwork might be greatly affected by this type of work model. Based on a report, remote working can isolate certain people who may find it hard to open up to others. It might lose the camaraderie that face-to-face working brings.
Furthermore, there are instances wherein in-office workers can also perceive their remote colleagues not to be working as hard as they are because they are not being overseen in person. While remote workers might think that employees working on-site have better opportunities than them.
3. Increases cyber risks
Allowing employees to access work-related documents and important information outside the office can be risky. It is harder for the company to monitor employee activities when they are working remotely.
A hybrid work setup can lead to losing confidential data, having important data corrupted, and being prone to cyber hijacking when not monitored and protected properly.
Hybrid Work Setup Best Practices
The transition to a hybrid work arrangement would need trust and transparency between the company and its employees. Here are some best practices that could help businesses smoothly switch to the hybrid work setup.
1. Survey employees to know their needs
It is important for businesses to speak with their workforce before making any decision. By involving them, employees get to feel included and motivated to do their best work.
Also, surveys are the best way to know the employees’ sentiments when it comes to the hybrid work setup. Know what they expect and what works for them.
2. Build trust
Trust is essential to every workplace, especially in a hybrid work setup. Without trust, managers and supervisors tend to micromanage their employees which may lead to the team feeling stressed and uneasy.
It is better to allow the employees to manage their own time and workload. Focus on the quality of work instead of thinking about the number of hours spent. Make the employees feel that they are trusted so they will have the confidence to finish tasks.
3. Have the right tools
Communication might be challenging when employees are in a hybrid work setup. That’s why it is important for businesses to have the necessary tools to provide convenient communication.
Having the right tools will help employees to work effectively, no matter where they are. Tools like video conferencing, messaging, and file sharing are essential in keeping employees engaged.
Key Takeaway
The hybrid work arrangement is not a new concept. It is now considered the future of remote work. But due to the pandemic, more and more businesses are now implementing it. This kind of setup allows companies to keep the employees safe without sacrificing the quality of work being done.
Keep in mind that hybrid work is here to stay. Companies today must meet the needs of their workforce or risk losing talent to employers that do. Always think about the employees before making any decisions.
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A hybrid workplace can be convenient and practical for employees. However, not all companies consider it because of the possible disadvantages. That’s why it is important for businesses to find what will work for both them and their employees.
Support Services Group provides the option of a hybrid work arrangement. We offer flexible and manageable working schedules for our employees to help them be more productive and efficient.
Visit our Careers page and join the SSG family! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]