Hybrid working offers a flexible balance between home and office work. The hybrid model gives employees greater autonomy to decide where they work, whilst also providing regular office time to socialise and collaborate.
The rise in hybrid working was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic saw many businesses transition to remote work, utilising digital tools to replace in-person communication. Organisations and employees discovered they could maintain the same, if not greater, levels of productivity working remotely. Full-time remote working did not suit everyone however, with some finding this model too isolating. With the removal of pandemic restrictions, hybrid working emerged as a solution to balance the benefits of home working with the valuable connection with peers provided by the office.
What are the benefits of hybrid working for employers?
- A hiring advantage. Hybrid working is highly desired by prospective employees. If companies want to attract and retain the best candidates then they are wise to adopt a hybrid model. A report in 2023 found that 77% of workers would consider leaving their job if their company reversed their flexible working policies.
- A financial efficiency. Hybrid working offers companies the opportunity to rethink their office space and its associated costs. A report by Fortune showed 74% of Fortune 500 CEOs expect to reduce their office space in the future. Hybrid working means companies no longer require office space sufficient to accommodate all their employees at one time. Less office space also means reduced costs for energy and other utilities.
- A boost to productivity. Multiple studies have now demonstrated that hybrid working has no negative impact on the productivity of workers. A study of more than 1600 workers at an online travel company found that employees working two days per week at home were just as productive as those working full-time in the office. Additionally, hybrid workers were no less likely to be promoted and 33% less likely to resign.
What are the benefits of hybrid working for employees?
Employees who have transitioned to hybrid working report a wide range of benefits. A 2024 survey found hybrid working resulted in better quality of sleep, more exercise and healthier eating. Overall, hybrid workers experience an improved work-life balance and a reduced chance of burnout.
Are there any disadvantages to hybrid working for employees?
A report by Gallup collected opinions on the advantages and challenges of hybrid working. The results included the following challenges:
- Less access to work resources and equipment
- Reduced connection with the organisation’s culture
- Decreased team collaboration
- Impaired relationships with colleagues
What are the different models of hybrid working?
There isn’t one single hybrid working model. Different models allow for more or less flexibility for employees and vary in their balance of home versus office working.
- Flexible hybrid: Employees decide which days they work in the office. As the name suggests, this option offers maximum autonomy for the worker.
- Office-first: Employees work in the office for most of the time, with only limited opportunities for home working.
- Remote-first: As the name suggests, in contrast to the office-first model, remote-first allows workers to spend most of their time working from home with only occasional required office days.
- Fixed hybrid: In this model the days employees are expected to be in the office are set by their organisation.
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