Advantages & disadvantages of Hybrid workplace model

A hybrid workplace is a model of working where employees perform some of the essential tasks from office and other tasks from home (remotely), connected through devices. This allows flexibility in work schedules and optimization of office space and utilization of resources. In the post pandemic scenario, it is being though of as a viable option for ensuring productivity and reducing the cost of resources. In the Covid scenario, many workplaces have been redesigned for hybrid model. Let’s have a sneak peek into the pros and the cons of the arrangement. 

According to a survey by Salesforce, 64% of the employee respondents preferred working out of the office. A sizeable 37% wanted to work full time from home. Let’s delve deeper into the pros and cons of hybrid workplace model 

Pros 

1. More emphasis on productivity rather than work hours 

With hybrid model the focus is on the productivity rather than the number of work hours invested. Meeting the target is more important from company perspective rather than counting your hours Infront of your systems. 

According to a survey by Greatplacetowork (https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/blog/remote-work-productivity-study-finds-surprising-reality-2-year-study), productivity of employees actually improved by working from home. They measured employee productivity for six months in the year 2020 and compared it to pre-Covid six months in the year 2019. 

Source: Great place to work 

2. Reduction in office operation costs 

There is a massive consumption of power, bandwidth, furniture, system components, and various other resources with employees attending the office. With employees adjusting their workplace in the home to their own needs, there are higher level of comforts for individual employees along with a massive reduction in IT and other resources cost to the company  

3. Devising new ways of collaboration 

With the hybrid workplace model, newer ways of collaboration through various software and devices have been established. Now, virtual interactive sessions are happening on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, office resources for working are being shared on virtual works and communication is being more online through chats and others. These new ways of collaboration are being found to be equally effective as the previous in-office ways, and collaboration has become more location-independent.  

4. Time savings– Employees are now spending less time commuting and other activities involved in office work. These help in keeping the employees more energetic, less stressed out, and more time to spend on their work

5. Psychological shift in work-With less supervision and supervision only through virtual means, unsupervised or differently supervised workflows are being created. It is being explored whether the cushioned atmosphere of the home provides more security during work or not and how it affects the productivity and efficiency of work. It is also being explored how productivity and efficiency transform when employees are given more choices or freedom to work. Most of the studies are finding it favorable.  

Cons 

6. Group tasks are a bit more difficult 

According to a study by Ringcentral (https://www.ringcentral.com/us/en/blog/6-statistics-you-should-know-about-hybrid-and-remote-work/)- 41% of employees faced difficulty in group work while working remotely during the pandemic.  

7. Heightened cybersecurity risks 

With majority of the workflows sharing data and communicating online, there are greater chances of data theft, breaches and cyber risks 

8. More isolation of employees- 

There is always a positive impact of working from office. Colleagues meet, get chances to get over their household worries and have greater personal interaction. In remote work, there are greater chances of employees feeling isolated from their teams. 

According to a survey by Ringcentral – “67% of employees want more in-person time with colleagues”