The pandemic changed our lives in more ways than one. Whether we wanted it or not, remote working became a reality for the majority.
Although Covid-19 no longer poses a big threat, many companies have decided to adopt a hybrid working model. It's cost-effective, more productive (in many cases), and, most importantly, leads to happier and more engaged employees.
But like with everything else in the world, the hybrid working model has its cons too. In this article, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of offering this working model to your employees. Let's jump in!
Pros of a hybrid workplace
Engaged team
Now, more than ever, employees value flexibility. For many, having the option to decide where they feel most comfortable working is an important point when choosing a workplace. More flexibility also helps create a balance between work and personal life, increasing overall employee satisfaction.
When employees are happy and engaged, they also produce better business outcomes. In fact, research shows that satisfied employees can increase profitability by 23%.
Reduced costs
Adopting a hybrid working model means there will be fewer employees at the office and less space will be needed for your business to operate. This allows you to save money on rental costs, office supplies, snacks, and water. Your employees will appreciate the change too since they won't need to spend money on commuting.
Focus on productivity
The hybrid working model has introduced a new measurement of performance. Traditionally, employees would have to be at the office as long as possible to maximize efficiency. With the new model, however, the management must determine how to improve productivity and workflow.
Cons of a hybrid workplace
Difficult to collaborate
A hybrid working model makes communication more challenging. Remote employees and those on-site can find it tricky to collaborate and be in sync. However, there are a couple of ways you can make things better. For example, ensure your workplace technology supports work wherever your employees decide to be. Give your team members chatting tools like Slack, Zoom, and Asana – this will help them stay connected.
Bigger risks of cyber attacks
Unfortunately, when working from changing locations, there's a bigger chance of experiencing cyber-attacks and other IT-related issues. For this reason, it's important to secure and follow your company's digital footprint. This means implementing multi-factor authentication, checking for software updates, and paying attention to password management.
Faster burnout
Although the hybrid working model gives employees more freedom, sometimes it can make them work even longer and harder, as they take fewer breaks than when on-site. This can lead to burnout and other negative side effects in the long term. That's why we encourage you to prioritize a culture where employees feel safe to speak up and take breaks when they need them.
Ending notes
Thinking about implementing a hybrid work policy in your company? Then, make sure to consider all the ins and outs.
If you need help figuring out whether the hybrid working model is the right fit for your business, our friendly team would gladly assist. Contact us here.
Comments