The onset of the global pandemic brought on a transformation that shook the very idea of how we work to its core. The traditional 9-5 with a two-way hour-and-a-half commute was no longer the norm for a sizable chunk of the working population around the world. Employees could no longer simply commute to work and congregate in one area of the office to complete their tasks during Covid-19. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the concept or idea of how and where we should work underwent a significant change.
Though there are many who would argue against the merits of remote or hybrid work based on very cogent reasons. All of these arguments frequently ignore the requirement for a well-rounded strategy to successfully implement a remote or hybrid workplace. Many employers and employees are interested in hybrid work models as they get ready to return to the workplace in one way or another.
Key Benefits of Hybrid Work for Employees
Two benefits of hybrid working are increased productivity and happier workers. Gathering employees in one place out of their houses can be a huge driver of productivity and creativity.
With the increased flexibility of a hybrid work model, employees typically feel more empowered to capitalize on their strengths, which has a positive impact on their productivity. With a hybrid work model, employees can work in an environment that best suits their work-related needs.
Working from both home and the office allows employees to feel more trust between themselves and their employers, which contributes to higher employee satisfaction. Additionally, such flexibility at work may result in an improved work-life balance, which also greatly impacts employee satisfaction.
One of the other benefits of the hybrid work model is reduced operating costs for employers and employees. Hybrid workplaces can help lower operating costs for businesses, especially logistics and infrastructure-related expenses.
With remote working employees, you require less physical office space, saving you money on rent and utilities like office supplies. The cost of providing employees with meals and refreshments can also decrease with a remote workforce. Last but not least in-office employees mean you won’t have to spend as much on cleaning and other maintenance services.
Another benefit of hybrid working is that it provides employees with more chances to advance their skills. Almost 91% of employers and 80% of employees believe upskilling is pivotal to their productivity and overall performance.
Employees working part of their job from the office can use the remainder of their time developing their skills at home. Developing and reskilling yourself may lead to better job performance, higher self-esteem, and faster growth within the business.
Employees’ improved work-life balance is another benefit of the hybrid work model. According to a report, 86% of professionals believe that hybrid work is essential for a better work-life balance, and around 48% of respondents attributed this to spending equal time on personal and professional goals.
Because a hybrid workplace allows for a balance of remote and office work, hybrid employees have enough time to manage personal commitments. Employees develop a stronger bond with the company and are more willing to go to any length to achieve the organization’s objectives when they are given the opportunity to develop and manage their personal relationships. With the hybrid model, employees can enjoy a better work-life balance and increase employee satisfaction.
Long commutes cost valuable time and money, especially with rising fuel prices. European professionals drive daily for almost an hour to and from work, which adds up to almost 45 hours per month.
By reducing commute times, hybrid work enables workers to make better use of their time. For instance, workers can use the time they save to pursue personal objectives like working out or learning new skills.
Closing Thoughts
There is no denying that hybrid working arrangement could represent the way work is done in the future as they gradually become the new standard. Like any working model, a hybrid work environment has significant benefits when implemented correctly. Employers benefit from hybrid working models because they can access a larger talent pool, reduce operating costs, and improve employee-employer relations.