Future of Work is Hybrid

In recent years, top organizations have steadily enforced The hybrid work model as part of their digital transformation. Organizations were forced to adopt the remote work model earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. However, it made them realize that a different way of working was possible with the technologies at hand.

As a result, more organizations have shifted to a hybrid work model. According to a recent report by Gallup, 60% of employees used to work on-site in 2019. That figure drastically fell to 20% in 2023. The report reflects that 40% of the employees have shifted from an on-site work model to a hybrid or exclusively remote work model.

The Future of the Office Has Arrived: It's Hybrid

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What Is the Hybrid Work Model?

In contrast to traditional on-site work models, hybrid work models require employees to work in offices only a couple of days a week. After that, they can continue working from home on other days as part of their arrangement.

Different organizations have varying objectives with their hybrid work models. Some require working every other day or attending fixed days of the week as decided by the employer or the employees.

Today, organizations face the reality that most employees prefer working in a hybrid work model. A survey conducted by PWC found that 55% of employees would choose the new model over on-site settings. It is prevalent among the younger generations and the working women class.

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Why Is the Hybrid Work Model Mutually Beneficial?

According to various reports, the hybrid work model has been deemed the optimal working model. Moreover, it is mutually beneficial for both the employers and the employees. Understandably, not all types of work can operate 100% remotely.

As a result, the hybrid work model enforces a mix of on-site and remote working arrangements without affecting productivity and efficiency. Some of the significant benefits include the following:

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Cost Savings

Organizations can save a significant amount of their budget in running office spaces and other overhead expenses. As fewer employees are required to work on-site at a time, they can save money in various areas. Some important ones include electricity, utilities, office supplies, commute benefits, maintenance and cleaning, and other programs.

Subsequently, organizations can utilize these savings and invest them in other opportunities to increase their revenue. They can also enforce new policies to reduce their carbon footprint and implement sustainable practices. It will help them build their brand image and position themselves for long-term financial resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing business landscape.

On the other hand, employees can benefit from saving time and money from commuting. Most employees are unable to live near their job locations. As a result, it can help them retain energy and motivation to do well at work that would otherwise be wasted commuting from their home.

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Promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The hybrid work model is an excellent way for an organization to become truly global. They get access to a wider talent pool and hire employees from other parts of the world. As a result, they can promote equality and diversity in their employee demographics.

Moreover, it will force organizations to track employee progress with definite performance metrics. Hence, they cannot act biased according to their behavior or physical appearance.

Additionally, the hybrid work model is highly preferred by women due to their family responsibilities. Hence, they can cater to childcare needs without having to commute to the office on certain days and respond to emergencies accordingly.

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Increased Productivity

Different employees have different approaches to working. Some employees perform their best when free from distractions, management, or working in a specific environment. For example, some would prefer working with loud music or without needing to interact with co-workers.

As a result, hybrid work models provide flexibility and empower employees to become more efficient at their own pace. They can retain their energy and produce better quality results without commuting time. They can also utilize the time to work according to their strengths when they're at their optimal best.

Many studies have shown that remote and hybrid work has increased productivity. It helps prevent burnout and not waste the entire day in the office for a single meeting.

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Fostering Mental Health

Most forward-thinking organizations emphasize employee well-being for increased work satisfaction. They need to acknowledge that work can cause stress and burnout. As a result, 63% of high-growth companies use the hybrid work model to foster a healthy work-life balance.

Working from home allows employees to allocate time for their family, friends, and personal goals. It empowers them to mold work around their lifestyles and not vice versa. Hence, it leads to a happier workforce that increases talent retention for organizations. It also motivates employees to deliver top-notch work and use their talents best.

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Enforcing Better Communication

Hybrid work models allow organizations and employees to use the best of both worlds. They can allow employees to work from home with an uninterrupted focus on priority projects. Accordingly, they can meet in the office when the tasks require in-person collaboration.

Most organizations already use various communication tools to keep in touch with employees in multiple departments. Hence, hybrid work models offer a flexible and balanced environment for organizations to optimize productivity by minimizing distractions. Various studies have shown that people can also create essential connections through virtual and digital experiences.

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High Employee Satisfaction

Hybrid work models offer an excellent opportunity to empower employees with a sense of being in control. Today, employees wish to be untethered and independent in choosing their optimal work styles. Most in-office settings cannot provide the necessary environment for them to work their best.

As a result, hybrid work models allow them to work according to their preferences. Moreover, a recent study showed that hybrid workers took fewer holidays and sick days. The model's flexibility allowed them to become efficient with their daily responsibilities without spending time working from the office.

Moreover, a thriving work culture is critical in hiring new talents, increasing retention rates, and creating a healthy work environment. Therefore, adopting a hybrid work model in the increasingly competitive landscape is a good move for any organization.

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Conclusion

To summarize, hybrid work models are considered the future of work settings. It allows employers and employees to become flexible with time and location to conduct daily activities. It also helps organizations to save costs, increase employee satisfaction, and introduce equality, diversity, and inclusion. Hybrid work models are mutually beneficial, and organizations should provide the necessary tools and solutions to meet evolving needs.

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