Employers are more receptive and encourage settings where employees work synchronously via hybrid work arrangements. As a result, 41% of employers in Canada in 2021 have stated that their employee productivity increased. Thus, a partial or complete hybrid workforce might not be too surprising in the foreseeable future. However, is this truly the case though?
What is the Hybrid Work Model?
The idea that work can only be done in an office is now considered almost crusted. Although the concept of work anywhere anytime emerged very recently it was only truly experienced by mankind during the pandemic.
Returning statements like is it truly the new normal?
The Rise of The Gig Economy
One of the factors that has helped employers believe in the feasibility of a hybrid workplace is the rise of the gig economy. The priority has shifted from spending hours at work or attending to specific tasks in an office to mostly the delivery and quality of work.
Individuals and employees both take on short-term and long-term projects in which they put the same effort as any regular job. Individuals have the opportunity to work as freelancers defining their own priorities.
Is the hybrid workplace model feasible?
Whether hybrid workplace models can be practically implemented; largely depends on a company’s business model. For example, the hybrid model cannot be implemented in all and every single industry. Only 20% of industries including those serving in Business Process Outsourcing and IT have been able to practice and completely implement it.
The model does not completely adhere to all industries, for instance, the manufacturing and the hospitality industry cannot completely implement it, there are some aspects that need a physical/humanistic approach to detail and practicality.
Benefits of Hybrid Workplace Model
Hybrid working has allowed many individuals to reap the benefits of flexible work hours. Here are some benefits of a hybrid workforce.
Productivity Boost
Despite the structure that an office provides, there are several time-consuming activities in the office such as excessive meetings, long-lunch breaks, tea breaks, and other miscellaneous office activities that take away from the required core of the job.
With a hybrid workforce, however, there are very clear guidelines and work is assessed on very specific KPIs. Thus, employees work harder.
Fewer Grievances
Often, employees face disputes with the management and co-workers. However, a hybrid work model in place and clarity in defined roles and KPIs along with lesser in-person interactions have created a more positive and productive environment for employers.
Inflation Protection
Since inflation is rising across the globe employees are worried about the rise in living costs. Commuting is a significant expense. Particularly, in developing economies. Thus, instead of providing employees compensation, a hybrid work model can help employees reduce costs.
Disadvantages of the Hybrid Work Model
One of the biggest challenges of hybrid work policies is that their effects are not intersectional. Employees in both developing and developing economies face challenges.
Internet connection
Despite what we would like to believe, not every individual has access to a stable and speedy internet connection. Employees are subjected to connectivity which consequently gauges their effectiveness and productivity at work.
Work Space
Many employees have small homes or do not have enough space to be able to create their workspace. Moreover, they may not have the capital to invest in a dedicated workspace within their homes.
Power Shortages
In many developing countries, even industrial areas have power shortages nowadays. Therefore, any regular citizen facing a 3 to 4-hour need disrupts the flow of work and delivery.
How can the HR department facilitate a hybrid work model?
Implementing a hybrid workplace model can be much easier with the assistance of the Human Resource department and designing the right workplace policies in place.
- Provide employees with the tools they need to get started. Devices such as laptops and headsets can assist individuals tremendously.
- Assistance in office space setups. And allowance from employers can help workers to adopt hybrid work with more ease.
- Ensure connectivity between workers by conducting virtual sessions with all employees to monitor their mental health.
What does the future of work look like?
The benefits of a hybrid work environment are undeniable. It nourishes greater productivity, reduced grievances, and reduces work expenses for both employers and employees.
At the same time, it would be difficult to deny the challenges of implementing a hybrid work policy cannot be denied both in developed and developing economies. However, the implementation of a hybrid work model is possible with the support of the right human resource and the implementation of the right work policies.
NCRI Inc. operates with almost 20% of our staff on flexible and remote arrangements. We approach the hybrid work model through the campfire method i.e. regular meetings between remote and in-person staff to maintain coherence amongst them.
We also have employee monitoring tools and network policies that maintain the integrity of the data in use by the employees for daily tasks on the company provided devices making remote environments more productive.
NCRI Inc. supports a flexible environment that establishes work-life harmony for their employees.
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