What is Hybrid Work?
Briefing on the contents
This article focuses on the areas related to the Hybrid work practice, elaborating both potential the cons & pros on organizational performance. Moreover, the intention of this work is to emphasize the importance of this working style evaluating the effectiveness this would bring after implementation. How ever, this is a work of raising awareness tailored for the individuals who look out for information on this subject for career development & academic purposes.
What is hybrid work?
Hybrid work is a flexible method combining both working in an office environment and working from home. This practice varies in flexibility and supports a variety of different working schedules (Kirkham & Forwell). In addition, this method offers employees to choose how and where they work with autonomy to design their own working schedule aligning with their employer's policies. The organizations that allow hybrid work , give employees a better working balance ,while turning it to their productivity toward the company. Furthermore , this phenomenon could bring efficient work operation on organizations if implemented.
As to elaborate more, this practice was mostly introduced to Sri Lankan industries post Covid 19 outbreak, which in certain fields still continues.
Benefits & disadvantages of hybrid work
As already mentioned, hybrid work also comes with both cons & pros to a certain extent. And it is essential for companies to evaluate these means in advance prior to the implementation of the same. Listed below are the key identified facts each under positive & negative results.
Benefits
Autonomy for employees
In an office-first model, people are expected to be on the clock between 9 am and 5 pm every workday. In a hybrid work model, employees have more flexibility to get work done when, how, and where they’re most productive. This means flexible schedules and locations. For example, some people work best early in the morning while others do better in the evening. They can also choose to work with teammates onsite or do heads-down work from a remote location (Kirkham & Forwell).
Better work-life balance
When employees have more control of their work schedules, they can free up time to take care of the things that crop up in their personal lives—whether it’s running an errand, picking up kids from daycare, or being home for a delivery etc (Kirkham & Forwell).
Opportunity to hire talent across the globe
In a hybrid work model, the organizations can hire talent from all around the globe. Having access to a wider talent pool means they can hire people with specialized skills. This can organizations a competitive edge, help to move into new markets, and ensure around-the-clock productivity (Kirkham & Forwell).
Save on expenses
In a hybrid work model, fewer people can be onsite at any given time. For some companies, this may mean downsizing on their real estate. In the very least, hybrid working will help you figure out how much office space you need to support your employees (Kirkham & Forwell).
Disadvantages
Difficulty to collaborate with remote -employees
Hybrid work will see people come into the workplace at different times of the week. It means that people will sometimes miss each other and the chance to collaborate on the fly. To get around this, investing in the right technology is crucial. With workplace technology, the employees can communicate with one another and get visibility about when coworkers will also be onsite (Kirkham & Forwell).
Requires oversight & maintenance
Hybrid work needs a lot of care and attention to get right. If employers want to allow freedoms and flexibility for their employees at work, it often means balancing that with appropriate oversight, policies, and maintenance (Kirkham & Forwell).
Not suitable for all industries
Hybrid work models might not work for every industry. Some organizations have chosen to be fully remote, while others must be onsite in order to function, like nursing, teaching, or manufacturing. Because of this, employees are choosing different industries based on the levels of flexibility on offer. According to our 2022 Workplace Trends Report, the materials, utilities, and telecom services industries had the least amount of onsite traffic growth since January 2021 (Kirkham & Forwell).
The Final Thought
This work clarifies the gray areas of the addressed subject, bringing forth both negative & positive impacts on organizational performance. After a through study of the facts addressed, a strategists could make their next move in implementing or ceasing (if already in practice) the above work method in accordance to their industries. In addition this article provides an insight crucial for individuals on academic ventures. .
References
https://envoy.com/blog/what-is-a-hybrid-work-model/
Organizations who use a hybrid work model can offer a better work-life balance to their employees. This in turn drives productivity and employee engagement at work, and helps businesses operate more efficiently as a result.
ReplyDeleteYou have clearly described both the good and the bad of hybrid work. Organisations can be mindful about these pros and cons when they decide to promote or demote hybrid work strategies in their workplaces to ensure that they are making the best business decisions.
ReplyDeleteHybrid working is likely to become the new normal in the post-pandemic workplace. Businesses that embrace this model of working are likely to enjoy a range of benefits, from increased productivity to reduced costs
ReplyDeleteImportant content. Hybrid work approach provides better work-life balance, a competitive edge, and cost savings. However, it also comes with disadvantages, such as difficulty in collaboration with remote employees, the need for proper technology, and the need for oversight and maintenance.
ReplyDeleteThe introduction effectively sets the context for the discussion by defining hybrid work and its significance in modern work environments. The post then delves into the benefits and drawbacks of adopting hybrid work practices, highlighting key factors that organizations need to consider when implementing such models.
ReplyDelete