The hybrid work model is not new, but it is certainly more common today than prior to the early part of 2020 and the pandemic. According to studies completed up to 2022, companies are increasingly moving to a hybrid model, with about 74% now reporting they are using or are planning to use a hybrid model moving forward.
A hybrid model combines the benefits of a remote work model and an in-office work model. In general, hybrid work models have some employees working from the office and some at home or working from anywhere. A common model is a number of days in the office and the balance from a remote location, rotating employees and leaders through the week.
The other option for the hybrid model is to have the core leadership team and essential employees working at the office while other groups of employees, leaders, and team members work remotely.
Benefits to the Business
There are several benefits for small businesses to large corporations in using this model. These benefits include:
- Lower costs – smaller offices and workplaces are possible, reducing the overhead for corporate offices and branch offices. For small businesses, this is also an important factor, reducing the cost for startups through to established companies.
- Increased DEI – diversity, equity, and inclusion are easier for companies to build on as they can reach employees that may not have the ability to work in a traditional workplace model. This includes people with physical disabilities, living outside of the geographic area where the company is housed, or people who need flexible work to be able to care for family members or children.
- Happier employees – when employees are happier with their working environment and job, they are less likely to look for a job elsewhere. This allows the company to build up a workplace culture and reputation for retaining quality employees and leaders.
- Increased employee satisfaction – the hybrid model is preferred by employees who want the freedom of working from home combined with the collegiality of the workplace environment.
Benefits to the Employees
For the employee, leader, and team members, the hybrid model also offers significant benefits. These include:
- Lower cost of getting to work – cutting the cost of commuting several times a week reduces expenses, wear and tear on vehicles, and helps employees save on the time they spend on the commute
- Increased job satisfaction – employees report a higher level of job satisfaction when they have flexibility in their work week.
- Improved productivity – employees are able to focus on their areas of work that are most suited to work and home. While originally many companies feared a lack of productivity with work from home restrictions, the data shows that over time, employees were generally more productive as they adapted to remote work in businesses not already implementing the strategy.
- Greater opportunities – many people see the opportunity to enter the workforce or re-enter the workforce with the hybrid model. This has brought increasing diversity into the workplace, improving productivity and satisfaction.
- Opportunities for direct collaboration – using the hybrid model allows employees to have the ability to work with their colleagues and team leaders when in the office. This increases the productive time during collaboration while also increasing the positive relationships in the workplace.
In addition, many employees report lower rates of stress and more balance in their work and life. This, combined with greater resources offered to employees to boost mental health and wellbeing, has a positive impact on the individual as well as for the company.