Navigating the Hybrid Work Challenge - A Guide for Employees

Hybrid work, the blend of office and remote working, is reshaping today's workplace.

As the world adapts to this new model, employees and employers alike face a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

The UK Parliament website reports that most workers would like hybrid working in the future. Survey data suggest that organisations preferences for hybrid working are more mixed, with between a quarter to around two-thirds of employers in 2021 reporting that they intend to introduce or expand hybrid working to some degree.

A recent study in the United States emphasises the significance of workplace flexibility, second only to salary, in employee satisfaction. Hybrid schedules offer a balance, allowing workers to juggle professional commitments with personal goals, such as family time and physical activity.

As of September 2022, the UK Parliament website reports that around 1 in 5 (22%) of the GB workforce had worked at least one day from home in the previous week and around 1 in 8 (13%) worked from home exclusively.

This flexibility is not just a personal boon; it is pivotal for promoting diversity in the workplace. It is particularly attractive to women and younger generations, aiding employers in building a diverse and equitable workforce.

However, transitioning to a hybrid model is not without its hurdles. Stanford research indicates that while hybrid working does not typically impact productivity, some managers remain sceptical.

However, most business leaders feel remote work can negatively impact areas such as workplace culture and communication.

Yet, most business leaders would also agree that remote work has a positive side: over half believe remote policies aid in recruitment, and two-thirds see benefits in staff retention.

Companies are increasingly recognising these benefits. Tech giant Meta, for instance, offers fully remote positions to employees with a track record of 18 months of positive performance. Similarly, organisations like Upwork and Microsoft have dedicated roles focusing on remote and hybrid work strategies.

While workplace flexibility is vital, it is important to address underlying issues such as burnout or disengagement proactively. This might involve advocating for changes in workplace communication, redefining job roles, or setting clear boundaries around work communications.

As the landscape of work continues to change, adapting hybrid work models will be key to thriving in the hybrid work model.