Smart working, remote working, teleworking. Does your head explode too? It's easy to get confused and not understand which is the right choice for your business.
In our opinion, the solution is hybrid work. Haven't you ever heard of it? Do not worry! In this article, we will see what it is and what are the advantages for your company, if you choose to adopt it.
What is hybrid work?
Hybrid work is the new frontier, which moves away from the traditional work model.
It comes from a mix of remote and face-to-face work.
It is more than a compromise between old and new: it is the synthesis that combines the best of the two experiences, responding to the needs of workers and companies, which have radically changed after almost two years of the pandemic.
Hybrid work has many variations: for some companies, it means allowing each employee to work a little in the office and a little remotely.
Others have embraced a full Smart Working philosophy. Still, others provide different options but prefer an "office-first" approach, for example with fixed days in attendance.
Even if the pandemic has profoundly revolutionized the way people approach work, there are still no defined models and hybrid work is a challenge that will affect all the realities that decide to take this path.
The value of hybrid work
Do executives and employees see hybrid work the same way? Not really.
According to a survey carried out by McKinsey "only 7% of 800 of the interviewees, including founders, CEOs, and executives, are in favor of providing three or more days of remote work."
As for employees, however, a recent survey conducted with Wakefield Research shows that almost half (47%) would seek another job if their employer did not adopt a flexible working model.
On the one hand, we have the still reticent managers and, on the other, the employees who see the value in hybrid work.
What exactly attracts them to this model?
Let's find out together some benefits of hybrid work for employees and your company.
The 4 benefits of hybrid work
1. Increase in productivity
In the classic model of face-to-face work, people should be on duty from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday.
In a hybrid work model, however, employees have more flexibility and can get work done from wherever they want and when they are most productive.
Let's take an example: some people work better early in the morning, while others are more productive in the afternoon or evening.
Taking another example, some need to carry out tasks individually, while others like to always work in a team, even when I have to do a single task.
By adopting a logic in which one works according to the achievement of objectives and not to occupy the canonical eight working hours, the hybrid work offers multiple benefits compared to the classic model in presence.
Remember: if employees are happy and feel gratified by their company, they work better and achieve results.
2. Better work-life balance
According to a Slack study, flexibility is one of the main reasons employees are attracted to the hybrid work model.
Finding work-life balance becomes easier with a flexible work model.
When employees have control over working hours, they are also able to better manage the needs of private life, whether it is going to a medical examination, running an errand, or accompanying the children to the pool.
4. Space for talent
Finally, with a hybrid business model, your company can hire talent from around the world.
Hybrid work knows no geographical limits and allows you to hire professionals even beyond national borders.
Having access to a larger talent pool means being able to hire highly specialized and vertical people.
This translates into a competitive advantage for your organization, giving you the ability to enter new markets and ensure productivity around the clock.
5. Savings on real estate expenses
In a hybrid business model, the number of people accessing the office at the same time is reduced.
For some companies, this could be an opportunity to consider moving to a smaller space, saving up to 30%.
Think about the expenses related to utilities, cleaning and sanitizing spaces, as well as cuts, for example, on drinking water or snack machines.
Fewer employees translate into less waste.
Your company could reinvest what it has saved to offer new benefits to employees, increasing their affection for the company and increasing overall productivity.
