{"id":15763,"date":"2021-01-20T10:00:45","date_gmt":"2021-01-20T10:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/?p=15763"},"modified":"2021-05-07T11:53:18","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T10:53:18","slug":"all-the-pros-and-cons-of-hybrid-working-what-they-mean-for-your-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/all-the-pros-and-cons-of-hybrid-working-what-they-mean-for-your-business\/","title":{"rendered":"All the Pros and Cons of Hybrid Working & What They Mean for Your Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hybrid working has been around for quite some time. But, as the Covid-19 crisis kicked in, many teams started working from home. <\/span>Remote working<\/span><\/a> policies sprang up everywhere, and businesses began to adjust to a whole new working way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That doesn\u2019t mean to say everyone is now working remotely full time, however.\u00a0 Whether for logistical or financial reasons, some companies have been unable to move to a 100% remote work arrangement. They\u2019ve had to adopt a hybrid workplace model – a compromise between remote and office-based working. In April, <\/span>46.6% of people<\/span><\/a> were doing some work at home, 86% directly due to the coronavirus pandemic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is hybrid working?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

With <\/span>77%<\/span><\/a> of UK employees favouring it, hybrid working is definitely the way forward. But what is it? Hybrid working means that employees Work both in-office and remotely. That remote work could be done from a home office<\/a>, \u2018on the go\u2019 during their daily commute, or travelling abroad.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hybrid working schedules often vary depending on the industry and individuals involved. For some, it could be four days in the office, and one-day remote. For others, it might be three months in office while the next month is spent travelling and checking in online. Generally speaking, the most common option is a split spread over a week or two-week schedule. Employees tend to prefer a roughly <\/span>50\/50<\/span><\/a> split between the office and remote work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pros of a hybrid workplace<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1. Increased emphasis is on productivity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With a hybrid model, employers can redefine their measurement of performance. In an office environment, managers want to see that everyone present is at their desk, working their allocated hours. <\/span>
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In a remote-working environment, however, the focus shifts. Instead of set hours worked, the completion of the project within a set timeframe becomes more important. Supporting teams with the resources they need to streamline their workflows have become a priority.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In an ideal situation, employees are judged on their results rather than on their behaviour – they no longer have to \u2018look busy\u2019 when the manager is around but set out to achieve their objectives in their own time. This instils trust in employees and gives them a sense of self-motivation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many companies have been using <\/span>project management and scheduling tools<\/span><\/a> to help employees stay on track whilst working remotely. They can be used to help manage staff rotas, institute \u2018coffee breaks\u2019 and keep track of who\u2019s doing what. These apps can be accessed from any number of devices or locations to facilitate remote working.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Flexible work models can also boost productivity by fitting in with employees\u2019 personal working schedules. People have their own preferences as to their most productive times of day to work. Efficient hybrid working should allow everyone to work at their own pace and at the times that suit them best, bringing out their best work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. A reduction in costs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With fewer employees in the office at any given time, less office space is required. A hybrid model can lead to big rental costs savings – along with some savings on office supplies. For example, there\u2019s no longer a need to refuel the vending machines or refill the water dispenser quite as often. While there may be a need to invest in new technology and software, the savings gained in reduced overheads will far outweigh this expenditure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just the business that will save money, either. Employees will see big savings on daily commuting, as well as potential savings on food expenses and those on-the-go coffees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Hybrid working helps prioritise the well-being<\/strong><\/h3>\n

According to a recent report, many people prefer working in a remote environment<\/span>, with more than 9 out of 10 people stating they\u2019d like to carry on working from home in some capacity as we advance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Allowing employees to work from home helps them prioritise their wellbeing and family. It\u2019s a chance for employers to focus on staff morale and ensure they have everything they need to work at their best.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allowing for hybrid working shows companies care about their employees and are aiming to build a solid work culture. This means employees are happier, more engaged, and more productive. Companies with happy employees consistently outperform the competition.<\/span><\/p>\n

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To enable hybrid working employers to offer employees custom solutions, such as ergonomic furniture or portable work fittings. In the absence of catch-ups in the office, employers should also be offering more frequent individual online \u2018one to ones\u2019 to help them reach their potential both personally and professionally.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many other reasons that hybrid working can improve wellbeing, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n