Find out the benefits and drawbacks of a hybrid work schedule
The hybrid work model is a combination of both onsite and remote work, which many companies have slowly adopted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that employees can vary their working days between doing their jobs remotely and coming into the office, depending on the organization’s needs. Workers who have the ability to do their jobs remotely have realized the many advantages that come with a hybrid schedule, mainly the flexibility and freedom that comes with being able to work anywhere. Both workers and companies are starting to notice how a hybrid work model can affect everything from productivity, company culture, and a company’s bottom line.
Keep in mind that some organizations and workers, however, will always need a full remote or a full on-site environment to function. For example, nurses, construction, plumbers, and government workers all must adhere to the traditional work model in order to get their jobs done. However, as employers are willing, now more than ever, to experiment with this new model of work-life balance they are beginning to understand the advantages and disadvantages of a partially remote schedule. So what are the pros and cons of the hybrid work schedule?
Pros of a hybrid work schedule:
For an employee:
Employees have a lot to gain from a hybrid work schedule, and it all comes down to increased levels of flexibility and freedom. When offices closed their doors at the beginning of COVID-19, workers adapted and learned to collaborate online instead of in person. This led to the realization for many employees that remote work provided fewer distractions and created more room for productivity. The other added benefit that was a major game-changer for many workers, was the ability to cut out their commute and spend more time with their families. This led to an increase in quality of life, slower burnout rates, and increased productivity for many workers.
For an employer:
Employers have also reaped the benefits of the hybrid work schedule. For them, office space can be used more efficiently for all employees due to having fewer employees on-site at any given time. Many companies have chosen to downsize their space, providing more room in their budgets for other necessities. A popular solution is a “hot desk” model in which employees don’t have an assigned desk, making each open desk a temporary space for those working in the office that day. Overall, through effective space management, companies have lowered their overhead and made the workplace a more purposeful and efficient space for their on-site employees.
Cons of a hybrid work schedule
For an employee:
A major drawback of being a part-time remote employee is the lack of daily social interaction with coworkers. This can lead to lower levels of employee satisfaction, hurting company culture overall. Another concern for hybrid workers is the blurred line between work life and home life. The breaks that employees take throughout the day are important for preventing burnout and when working remotely, workers may feel more pressure to take fewer breaks or work later. Depending on the person, a more social work environment can also help build professional skills that are valued in the workplace such as the ability to collaborate or speak publicly. Part-time remote workers who have fewer opportunities for growth may be hurt in the long run.
For an employer:
When the world shut down and remote work became the norm, employers were forced to put their trust in workers to get the job done from home. However, companies are acutely aware that workers may take advantage of their newfound freedom, and they’re the ones paying for time spent scrolling Twitter from the couch. Another drawback employers have felt is the lack of communication with their team. Telecommuting can often lead to more miscommunications with employees and a feeling of disconnection, not to mention the security risks that come with performing sensitive tasks from home.
The Bottom Line on the Hybrid Work Schedule
Remote work is not suitable for all industries, and when it comes down to it, the new hybrid schedule is a headache for some companies. On the flip side, employees can benefit from the flexibility that comes with a blend of on-site and remote work, allowing them to increase their quality of life and work, due to less time spent commuting.
If you’re interested in finding a role that follows a hybrid schedule, we have extensive knowledge of the hiring needs of different companies and employers.
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