3 types of hybrid work models

A hybrid work model, in which employees spend part of their time in the office and work the rest of the time remotely, is becoming the leading strategy after the pandemic. Workers want to keep the flexibility they've had over the past year and bring back the office elements they've missed. Some positions, especially in technology, financial and professional services, are well suited for a combination of office and remote work.

Working in the office

Many people think that working in an office is prestigious. Large companies support this idea in every possible way, offering favorable working conditions, stylish office spaces, various goodies like a gym and sleeping rooms. The research proves once again that people still need space for collaboration, innovation, and inclusion — and the office makes it possible.

Pros

After some time at home, you want to return to the workplace for:

• a precise schedule;

• a working environment;

• communication;

• productivity.

In addition, working in the office allows everyone to get inspired with a common idea, better understand the company's goals, and the teamwork. The workplace should be the «place of power», the embodiment of the corporate culture.

Cons

Working at offices can be inappropriate for some employees:

• strict rules and constant control;

• a fixed schedule;

• locality, waste of time and money on the road;

• takes more time.

Work efficiency within companies can increase, as people are motivated to find their balance to keep up with everything. And the time that was previously spent on the road can now be spent with benefit.

Switching between home and office

Many companies have come to use a model in which the remote form of work is combined with the traditional office one. This model is called a hybrid workspace. A mixed workplace occurs when employees can work remotely or from the office. A typical hybrid workspace leaves teams with the choice of working in a central office, from home, or combining both.

Pros

The benefits of a hybrid workplace model are as follows:

• a productivity increase;

• employees' well-being;

• cost reduction;

• security during a pandemic;

• flexibility.

By knowing how many employees will be in the office at any given time, employers can re-target occupancy rates to reduce rent, office supplies, and other corporate expenses.

Cons

But there are some disadvantages of a hybrid workspace model:

• a potential burnout;

• increased reliance on technology;

• changing the layout of the office;

• team building at a distance.

The arch disadvantage becomes even more pronounced when some employees continue to work in the office and are perceived as a team, while remote workers may feel a lack of attention.

Remote work

Recently, work outside the office has been gaining popularity. More and more people dream of switching to this format. But for some, leaving the workplace is associated with carefree lying on the beach with a laptop in hand.

Working outside the office has its drawbacks, too. Those employees who have gone to work remotely return to the office soon.

Pros

Remote work offers the following advantages:

• a free schedule;

• work in a comfortable environment;

• no need to waste time on the road;

• a lack of attachment to one place of work, there is an opportunity to travel;

• convenient to combine with studies, other projects.

Most employees like remote format. The technical problems of organizing it turned out not to be an issue at all.

Cons

But, of course, you need to find out the cons before leaving the office:

• instability;

• the boundaries of working days and weekends are blurred;

• the competition is getting tougher.

Remote work requires advanced time management skills and self-discipline. It will be challenging if you tend to procrastinate, get easily distracted, and don't know how to manage your time properly.

UnSpot - the key to organizing a hybrid work model

The pandemic has taught us an important lesson about work. It has been proven that our regular daily routine is not obligatory and that alternative ways of working are viable and can also affect our mood, productivity, and well-being.

UnSpot can help companies move to a hybrid model of working. Whether you need a flexible office to meet the changing demands of your business, or some space for remote workers to collaborate and share ideas, our modern application can meet your company's needs. The UnSpot software helps you book desks, see your colleagues' schedules and choose the most effective days to come to the office.