Written by: Mitch De Guzman
Recently, there has been a lot of talk about hybrid work models. That is because workers will return to on-site work now that things have returned to normal. Most employees, however, do not wish to return to the traditional office setup. And it’s not unexpected, given how helpful remote or work-from-home arrangements have been in the face of the pandemic.
On the other hand, the government is firm about requiring physical reporting to offices, particularly in ecozones and free ports.
As a result, several businesses are considering implementing hybrid work arrangements, in which an employee works from home or another place at least part of the time. This approach should function well with today’s constantly expanding fiber internet services.
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What is a hybrid work environment?
A hybrid work model is a flexible work structure in which some employees work from home while others work from a central location or office. It does not adapt to a single work environment as employees function differently. As a result, personnel management varies.
Furthermore, employees can choose between an office environment and remote work via hybrid team structures. Most companies set aside time for both in-office and remote work. In other words, there will be days when they have to go to work and days when they can work from home.
Benefits of Hybrid work models
As complex as it may seem, a hybrid work setup is a win-win situation for employees and employers alike. Employees have more freedom to work when and where they wish, while firms save money by not having to provide office space or pay employees to commute to work. Here’s a look at the benefits and drawbacks of mixed employment arrangements for both parties.
Employees’ gain from hybrid working
Improved work-life balance
Hybrid employees claim that having greater freedom and autonomy about where and how they work provides them with more freedom and independence. And since it allows them to spend less time commuting, they have more time for themselves and do what they enjoy doing in their spare time. Consequently, they have gained a sense of total well-being.
Considerable increase in income
The average worker spends roughly PHP 5,000 per month on commuter costs alone. Depending on the locality, it may be even more. Allowing workers to work from home more frequently will reduce their travel expenses, effectively acting as savings or a tax-free boost in disposable income.
Better ability to move around
Hybrid working has reduced geographical mobility limits. People can now work for companies in a broader range of locations. For example, a person who lives in Cebu can work for a Makati-based company, go only to Makati for special events, and work totally from home. Thus, a hybrid office makes it easier for people to find work without relocating.
The Advantages of Hybrid working for enterprises
Many people believe that hybrid work is exclusively beneficial to the person, but this is far from the case. Businesses may gain a lot more from the hybrid working model as well.
Real estate cost savings
Rental or lease costs are frequently prohibitively expensive, particularly in large, affluent urban areas. This cost, however, can be decreased if there is less space.
On the other hand, a hybrid work model doesn’t need a large office space because it doesn’t have to supply a workstation for each employee. That translates into substantial rent savings and a considerable financial reward for the business.
Increased worker productivity
According to research, content and well-balanced employees are more likely to be productive. As a result, businesses that can innovate or move to a hybrid work model will likely have a competitive advantage over their competitors.
Higher Retention Rates
Contrary to popular belief, organizations using a hybrid work model do not frequently lose personnel. It is, in reality, the opposite. Companies that give their employees what they want have improved retention rates and a better capacity to attract the best talent.
Wider Talent Pool
Another benefit of using hybrid work models is that firms will have a far broader choice of locations to acquire personnel. Human resources can recruit across borders, different time zones, and even countries.
More positive relationships with business leaders
Virtual meetings allow top leaders to connect directly with every individual in the organization. Due to limited capacity, this may not be viable in traditional office or auditorium arrangements. As a result, information flows down the organizational ladder, passing through numerous management layers before reaching the employees.
The advantages of a hybrid work environment may begin with the hybrid employees themselves. Still, they are likely to spread it to their relatives and friends before it affects every element of modern life. Furthermore, hybrid working also benefits the environment by reducing pollution from commuting, increasing employment rates, and creating a healthier society.
Limitations of Hybrid Workspace
The hybrid workplace approach does have some shortcomings. Not everyone has high-speed internet, specialized home workstations, or distraction-free environs. Frontline workers, of course, do not have the option of working remotely or in a hybrid capacity.
Additionally, employees who work remotely may be at a disadvantage compared to those in an office setting. They may miss out on some side discussions, which are often not included in virtual meetings. Female employees are particularly at risk due to their responsibilities as caregivers for young children.
Disparities in treatment between the office and remote workers
Another point of concern is the impression that workers in an office are more productive because they are more visible to their superiors. On the other hand, remote employees may feel neglected for advancement, mainly if the company’s top management is present in the office setting. But that should not be the case; the physical office should not have more authority than a remote office.
Likewise, the difficulties inherent in teamwork and communication are significant. With two distinct experiences to manage, there is a greater chance that one group will feel excluded from critical talks.
Transitioning to a Hybrid Working Model: What you need to know
There is nothing new about the difficulties of engaging and communicating with workers. These problems can occur in every workplace. However, if you intend to transition to a hybrid paradigm, you must have a comprehensive hybrid workplace plan. Otherwise, it risks creating disharmony between the office-based workers and remote workers.
However, there are many ways to cope with them, as follows:
Use your network to its full potential.
Without the proper resources, technology, and support, hybrid teams will fail. If your company adopts the hybrid model, provide your employees with the necessary technology. Hybrid employees require messaging software, a video conferencing platform, and shared files or documents. Remote workers, on the other hand, must have unlimited access to a reliable wifi or fiber internet connection.
Make your employees a part of the process.
Employees are more likely to support your hybrid workplace project if they feel engaged in the journey and related discussions. You can gather continuous feedback about returning to work. Get their thoughts and feelings using surveys and polls to increase employee engagement.
Keep your company culture in mind.
A hybrid workplace necessitates managing two unique employee experiences, making it difficult to maintain and create a united workplace. That means putting the same effort into your remote workers as you do into your in-office staff while keeping your company’s core values. Communication tools like video calls and online collaboration platforms can assist in keeping all employees engaged with your shared values and goals.
Create a level playing field.
Not all employees may be able to return to the physical workplace. People caring for young children or elderly parents, those reliant on public transit, and those suffering from anxiety may prefer remote work arrangements. Thus, it is critical to encourage employees and give the same prospects for success to remote workers as those who work in the office.
Get the word out about what you want to do.
To get the best results from a hybrid model, you need to make sure everyone knows about it. Employees must be aware of their expectations and what they might expect from their managers. Will it be fully remote and office occasional? or is it office-first? If so, how many days a week do you need them on-site?
A broad and honest discussion is needed on these issues. In other words, communication between management and team members needs to be transparent.
Create a risk-free environment.
Any return to the physical workplace must meet all health and safety standards. Local health and safety authorities can offer advice concerning the maximum number of employees permitted in a workplace. Cleaning and hygiene standards, staff communication, social distancing regulations, and risk assessment are all examples of what they can portend.
Some businesses and organizations also require employees to be fully vaccinated before returning to work.
Conclusion
Productivity does not have to be limited to the confines of an office. Studies show that humans perform best when they feel comfortable, appreciated, and part of a community. Even more so if they are healthy, inspired, and able to collaborate with others to achieve a larger purpose.
Considering the benefits of a hybrid work model, it may be the ideal way to work soon. People don’t work in the same ways that they used to. With new technologies and diverse workflows, employees can now operate in multiple time zones.
Perhaps if there’s one good thing that the pandemic has given us, it’s the ability to reinvent the workplace and the chance to optimize it.
Hybrid Work Setup: the workplace of the future
Hybrids aren’t new. We have heard about combining different things, like public transportation and a car engine. Even the government created a hybrid PPP to be able to implement the Build Build Build Program. Additionally, cross-breeding between two species to generate offspring like the mule is another example.
If that is possible, we can also combine several job arrangements. Regular employees, freelancers, and digital nomads may all work for the same company or organization.
Employers may benefit from an online network that links independent contractors and digital nomads with available jobs. Likewise, employees who need workplace flexibility to balance work and family life would also have the same advantage.
Streamlining the process of remote work
Remote working is a breeze if you have fiber internet that is reliable and unlimited. Whether at home or on the road, it makes no difference if you have a reliable internet service provider. Streamtech offers an easy solution to take your office anywhere.
Streamtech’s fiber internet gives you the ability to maximize your time and productivity. With our unlimited bandwidth connection that delivers the fastest fiber internet speed in the country, you can save up to 90% of your time spent on a slow internet connection. That bodes well for both your home and your business.
Furthermore, your communication with clients will be smooth and hassle-free. You can use sophisticated communication tools that work well and without problems anywhere.
And at home, you will also enjoy seamless connectivity. You can instantly watch your favorite shows and movies while other connected gadgets go about their business. With fiber internet technology that makes it faster than ever before, you can even throw a party with endless entertainment options at your fingertips.
Remote working is feasible with a strong network. Absolutely nothing can stand in the way of your success. For further information, please visit our Subscribe page. Check our Facebook page to learn more about our promotions.
