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Introduction
A hybrid working system, also known as a hybrid
workplace, is a work arrangement that combines elements of remote work and
in-office work. In a hybrid working system, employees have the flexibility to
work both from home and from a physical office, depending on their needs and
preferences.
The exact structure of a hybrid working system
can vary depending on the company and industry, but it typically involves a mix
of remote and in-person work. For example, some employees may work from home
several days a week and come into the office for meetings or collaborative
work. Other employees may work primarily in the office but have the option to
work from home when needed.
This concept is increasing its popularity as the ‘new normal’ or the ‘future of the work’. Few companies which practice this new normal are Microsoft, Google, Twitter, HSBC, Dropbox, Uber, Kissflow and Barlow. (SCB online).
Benefits of a well executed hybrid workplace model
Hybrid
working spaces have several benefits for both employees and employers and as
well as the society. (Ben Wigert and
Jessica White, Sept 14, 2022)
1. Increased flexibility: Hybrid working spaces offer employees the ability to work from anywhere, providing them with greater flexibility and work-life balance. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and improved mental health.
According to a survey by Owl Labs, 80% of remote
workers reported better work-life balance, while 43% reported less stress.
2. 2. Lower costs: Hybrid working
spaces can reduce costs for both employees and employers. Employees save on
commuting costs, while employers can reduce office space expenses.
According to a report by Global Workplace
Analytics, employers can save an average of $11,000 per year for each employee
who works remotely part-time.
3. 3. Increased
productivity: Studies have shown that remote workers are often more productive
than those who work in a traditional office setting.
A study by Stanford University found that remote
workers were 13% more productive than their in-office counterparts.
4. 4. Improved employee
retention: Offering
hybrid working options can improve employee retention rates, as employees value
the flexibility and autonomy that comes with this work arrangement.
According to a survey by Buffer, 99% of remote
workers would like to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of
their careers.
5. 5. Strengthen rural areas: provides job opportunities to work for
international companies from home.
The four
basic hybrid workplace modes
Gartner identifies four basic modes that teams
can incorporate for an effective hybrid work place.
Working
Together, Together – when teams are located in a same place and meet up in person for
meetings in a shared place
Working
Alone, Together – when teams are in shared spaces but not collaborating or working at
same time.
Working Together,
Apart – when teams
are distributed but participate in virtual meetings
Working
Alone, Apart – when teams are distributed and individuals focus on work
Disadvantages
of a hybrid workplace model
1. 1. Communication
challenges: Hybrid
working systems can make communication and collaboration more difficult,
particularly if employees are working in different locations or time zones.
This can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and a lack of cohesion among team
members.
2. 2. Technical
difficulties: Hybrid working requires reliable internet connectivity and access to
necessary technology and software. Technical issues can disrupt workflow and
cause frustration for employees.
3. 3. Lack of
face-to-face interaction: Hybrid working can lead to a lack of face-to-face interaction among
employees, which can impact team morale and productivity. Additionally, new
employees may struggle to build relationships and integrate into the company
culture.
4. 4. Potential for
distractions: Remote working can lead to distractions from family members, pets,
and other home-related tasks. Employees may also find it difficult to separate
work and personal life, which can negatively impact their productivity and
well-being.
5. 5. Reduced visibility: Remote workers
may be less visible to management, which can impact opportunities for career
growth and advancement.
Conclusion
Overall, hybrid working spaces can offer many
benefits for both employees and employers, including increased flexibility,
cost savings, improved productivity, and better employee retention rates.
On the other hand, hybrid working systems can present some challenges,
particularly in terms of communication and collaboration. Employers and
employees must work together to mitigate these challenges and ensure that the
hybrid working arrangement is successful.
References
Ben Wigert
and Jessica White (Sept 14, 2022)
The
advantages and challenges of hybrid work. Gallop
(Online).
Accessed on
03rd April 2023
IR team.
(no date). Hybrid workplace models that are new normal. IR (Online).
Available
at https://www.ir.com/guides/hybrid-workplace-model
Accessed on
03rd April 2023
The Siam
Commercial Bank Public Company Limited (no date).
Why Hybrid
Working is Key in the New Normal? SCB
(Online)
Available
at https://www.scb.co.th/en/personal-banking/stories/salary-man/hybrid-working.html
Accessed on
03rd April 2023
Hybrid working system is combination of remote work and work at office. Which has both pros and cons. When we talk about pros; Flexibility, Work life balance, cost saving, Health and safety are three on the other hand cons for instant Difficulties in monitoring, Communication challages and most crucially potential security issue by unsecure online network is there. What's your advice on how to have a effective hybrid workspace ?
ReplyDeleteHi Azeem,
DeleteHaving an effective workplace requires a combination of different factors that contribute to creating a positive and productive environment. Clear goals should be set and an environment should be created among employees to feel comfortable to share ideas and feedback. Necessary resources must be allocated on time and reward and appreciation should take place often. Continuous evaluation and immediate solutions should also be provided for an effective hybrid workspace.
Interesting topic, Kabilashini. My question to you is, how can companies encourage inclusivity and equity in a hybrid working environment?
ReplyDeleteOrganisations should develop and communicate clear policies around hybrid work, including expectations for both in-person and remote work, availability and response times, and communication norms.
DeleteNecessary resources (technology, equipment, and workspace) must be provided to ensure that employees who work remotely have access to the same resources as those who work in-person. That would ensure ‘equity’ is maintained. Open communications in the form of check-ins, team meetings, and one-on-one meetings (virtually) should take place to make the remote employees feel ‘inclusive’ in team related meetups.
Great topic Kabilashini . The greatest advantages of hybrid work to date are: improved work-life balance, more efficient use of time, control over work hours and work location, burnout mitigation, and higher productivity. Hybrid work provides the flexibility for employees to work in ways that are most effective for them
ReplyDeleteThis provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of a hybrid working system and its advantages and disadvantages. The article explains that hybrid working combines elements of remote and in-person work, offering employees flexibility and work-life balance, while also providing cost savings for both employees and employers. This also identifies some potential challenges of hybrid working, such as communication difficulties and technical issues. As per your suggestion employers and employees need to work together to mitigate these challenges and ensure the success of the hybrid working arrangement. Overall, this article provides a useful resource for those interested in understanding the hybrid working system and its implications.
ReplyDeleteYour article does a great job of highlighting both the benefits and potential drawbacks of hybrid working systems. The statistics and examples provided are particularly effective in illustrating the advantages of this model, such as the cost savings and increased productivity. However, it's important to note that communication challenges and potential distractions for remote workers are valid concerns that need to be addressed to ensure the success of a hybrid workplace.
ReplyDeleteThe blog “The New Normal – Hybrid Working System” highlights the benefits of hybrid working models which are a mix of remote work and in-person work. The blog rightly identifies that the hybrid workplace model offers increased flexibility and job satisfaction, while also reducing costs for both employers and employees. The benefits of the hybrid work model are supported by several studies such as a survey by Owl Labs which found that 80% of remote workers reported better work-life balance, while 43% reported less stress. Additionally, a study by Stanford University found that remote workers were 13% more productive than their in-office counterparts (Briscoe, Schuler, and Tarique, 2012). The blog also discusses the four basic modes of a hybrid work model as identified by Gartner.
ReplyDeleteWell-structured article on THE NEW NORMAL–HYBRID WORKING SYSTEM. The challenge is this concept can be applied only to white-collar workers & it is sometimes not possible to apply it to blue-collar workers. Any recommendations?
ReplyDelete