What is a Hybrid Work Model?

What are Hybrid Work Models

One thing the pandemic has taught us is that flexibility is key, especially when it comes to how we work. Organisations all over the world had to adjust to various stages of lockdowns and digital transformation became paramount for success.

Businesses that would never have previously considered remote working are now finding it has become the norm. But as we return to normal, many businesses are finding that not everyone wants to return to the office and the hybrid work model has become the new alternative.

Different types of hybrid models

There are no standard definitions as each business tailors its hybrid model to its specific needs. A hybrid work model generally involves a combination of working from home and the office. In these models, employees work from home but then often have specific days where they are required to work from the office.

Hybrid work models are very topical at the moment and according to Hibob a global HR platform business, there are 4 different types of hybrid models.

 At-will model

This is where employees choose where to work from in terms of what works best for them. In these types of models, you may find employees spend more time working from home. Only coming into the office when it’s necessary, for example to attend a meeting.

Split-week model

This model seems to be the most popular. And as the name suggests – work is split between home and the office. With employees coming into the office 2 or 3 days a week and spending the remainder of the week working from home.

 Shift work model

The shift work model is not very popular and it’s easy to understand why. “Employees work in shifts, alternating between working from home and working morning or evening shifts on site.”

Week-by-week model

The last model is great for large teams. Where they alternate between working from home and onsite together for a whole week. This is specifically useful for teams working on projects and who need to interact quite closely.

Hibob also conducted a survey and the results showed that “21% of respondents were working exclusively from home, 42% were working according to a hybrid framework, and 37% were working onsite.” Based on these numbers, hybrid work models are definitely leading the way.

Implementing a successful hybrid model

All the above sounds wonderful and easy but what do you as a business need to have in place to make it successful?

Fortunately, the pandemic brought about a rapid rise in digital transformation. This has enabled businesses to embrace remote working far more effectively than previously imagined.

We have seen the introduction of digital tools being utilised far more frequently and effectively in organisations allowing teams to collaborate efficiently. Many of the tools like e-forms and e-signatures have created increased efficiencies and reduced unnecessary manual tasks.

Small and medium businesses are in a prime position to implement these models. This is due to the fact that they do not have huge office spaces and the associated infrastructure that comes along with that. Hybrid work models also allow for colleagues to interact and not feel so isolated.

The advantages of the hybrid model are undeniable and research by Dimensional Research showed that 99% of workers are reaping the benefits of working from home. It has given them flexibility and more time with friends and family. As we all know, happy employees are far more productive and dedicated than unhappy ones. Their research also showed that 95% of employees want to return to the office for team building, collaboration, and forming connections with colleagues.

Conclusion

Hybrid work models are the best of both worlds. Businesses who are not prepared to offer this type of flexibility will find it harder to attract high-quality employees. As remote working has proved the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

Hybrid models allow businesses to come up with the custom solutions that work best for both the business and their employees. We wish you the best of luck on your hybrid work model journey!

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