There’s been a big change in how workplaces operate in recent years. Spurred on by the pandemic and furthered by advancements in technology, a growing number of businesses are embracing remote working. For a few, this means working from home on a full-time, permanent basis. But, for the majority, it’s based on a hybrid work model. There was a brief moment where hybrid working seemed to be nothing more than a reaction to lockdown restrictions, something that would disappear once things started to go back to normal and everyone returned to the office. But, that’s not been the case, and it’s still extremely popular. Hybrid working isn’t a temporary trend. It’s a permanent change in how business leaders operate.
What is the Hybrid Work Model?
The hybrid work model is a flexible working arrangement that combines working in an office and working remotely. Businesses with a hybrid work model allow employees to split their time between working from a corporate office and a remote location, such as their home, a coworking space or while traveling. The specifics of the hybrid model vary widely, with many leaders tailoring the approach depending on what the business needs.
For example, some businesses have a fixed hybrid model. This means employees are required to be in the office on specific days each week. However, others are more flexible in their approach, with employees choosing which days they work remotely, based on their personal and professional needs. An employee’s role is often taken into account, as some jobs require a greater physical presence than others. Powered by digital tools that enable communication, collaboration and productivity regardless of location, a hybrid work model has become the norm for many.
The Benefits of Hybrid Working
The hybrid work model offers a wide range of benefits for both employers and employees, making it an attractive long-term option for many business leaders.
● Better Work-Life Balance – Flexibility allows employees to better manage family responsibilities, reduce commute stress and gain more personal time.
● Greater Autonomy and Satisfaction – Employees can tailor their work environment and schedule to suit their individual preferences and productivity patterns, giving them greater autonomy over their work.
● Access to More Job Opportunities – Geographic location is no longer a barrier to employment, giving candidates the freedom to apply for jobs that are further afield, knowing they’re not expected to be in the office every day.
● Increased Productivity – Hybrid work models have been linked to increased productivity, with many remote workers being more productive than their office-based counterparts.
● Reduced Operational Costs – Businesses can downsize their physical office space when there’s fewer employees in at any one time, saving on rent, bills, equipment and office maintenance.
● Wider Talent Pool – Business leaders are no longer restricted to hiring local talent, which promotes diversity and inclusion. They can access a wider talent pool.
● Stronger Retention – Flexibility is now a key factor in employee satisfaction and loyalty, and a hybrid work model could be exactly what’s needed for an employee to stay with a business.
How Successful Leaders Are Embracing Hybrid Work Models
Successful business leaders aren’t just embracing the hybrid work model, they’re using it to their advantage, and here’s how:
● They’re Redesigning Office Spaces – With employees working remotely some of the time, business leaders have the chance to redesign office spaces, ensuring they are designed for team success. Leaders are moving away from traditional cubicle setups, in favour of collaborative spaces designed for team meetings, video calls and social interaction.
● They’re Establishing Clear Communication – Without communication, hybrid working struggles. Successful leaders establish clear communication protocols, balancing formal meetings with informal updates to keep everyone informed, engaged and connected.
● They’re Investing in Technology – It’s impossible to effectively use a hybrid work model if the technology isn’t there, which is why leaders are investing in what matters most. Platforms like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams are hugely popular, as are project management tools like Asana, Trello and Basecamp. By investing in technology, leaders ensure that their teams are equipped with the best tools for remote productivity.
● They’re Promoting an Inclusive Culture – Successful leaders ensure that remote workers have equal access to opportunities, recognition and participation in team activities. There’s no risk of someone who works remotely a lot of the time missing out, simply because they’re not physically in the office.
● They’re Focusing on Outcomes Over Hours – With hybrid work, trust is paramount. Leaders are moving away from micromanagement and towards performance metrics based on deliverables and impact. It’s impossible to track everything an employee does when they’re working remotely, and successful business leaders are focusing on results, rather than how long someone has spent on a task.
● They’re Encouraging Flexibility with Accountability – Policies are being designed to balance autonomy with accountability. This includes setting clear expectations, performance goals, and finding ways for leaders to provide feedback and support remotely. Successful leaders are encouraging employees to be flexible, but also accountable for their actions.
The hybrid work model is by no means a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires careful planning, regular updates and strong leadership. But, when it’s done right, it offers a path to a more productive, engaged and resilient workforce. The future of work is focused on creating a more flexible, inclusive and forward-thinking workplace, and successful leaders are jumping on board.
At The Directors Box, you can connect with successful leaders and find out about how they’re adapting to the hybrid model. Get in touch for more information.
