Hybrid Work: Meaning, Working Setting, and Types

The hybrid model is taking the world by storm — according to Nick Bloom, a Stanford University professor and one of the leading experts on the future of work, it's predicted to become the dominant approach to hybrid work arrangements by 2030.

Industry giants like Amazon, JPMorgan, Google, and others are already embracing the hybrid format. To ensure you're not left behind, we've crafted a comprehensive guide suitable for both newcomers and seasoned professionals in blended work ⬇️

What Is Hybrid Work? Definition and Setting

Hybrid Work Definition

Hybrid work is a work arrangement where people split their time between working from home and working in the office. Unlike traditional full-time office presence or fully remote setups, the hybrid approach offers flexibility, allowing employees to choose the most convenient way to perform their duties:

• If an employee needs quiet time to concentrate, they can work from home.
• If they need an urgent face-to-face meeting, they can head to the office.

Hybrid Work Environment

The hybrid work environment consists of five components:

• Flexibility: Employees split their time between home and office, choosing to work days on their own or on a set schedule.
• Technology support: Companies use digital tools (Zoom, Slack, UnSpot, cloud platforms) to communicate and manage tasks.
• Office reorganization: Offices are being converted into collaboration and meeting areas instead of fixed workstations.
• Balance and productivity: The model helps employees balance work and personal life, reducing stress and increasing engagement.
• Variety of formats: Partially remote work, flexible schedules or role sharing as needed.

Types of Hybrid Work Models

Fixed Hybrid Model

Employees work in the office on certain days of the week and remotely on others. The schedule is set by the employer.

Trip.com, a leading online travel agency, implemented a fixed blended work model where employees work from home two days a week and in the office for the remaining days.

Remote-First Hybrid Model

A remote-first hybrid model is an approach where remote work is the primary format, and physical presence in the office is used only when necessary or desired by the employee.

Blackbaud, a cloud computing provider, adopted a remote-first model, allowing employees to work primarily from home. 

Flexible Hybrid Model

Employees choose when to work from the office and when to work remotely, coordinating with management.

Zoom has implemented a flexible work model, allowing employees to choose between working from the office or remotely. 

Office-Centric Hybrid Model

Employees are required to work in the office on certain days, with limited ability to work remotely.

JPMorgan requires managing directors to be in the office full time and other employees to be in the office three days per week. 

Benefits of Hybrid Work

📈 Boosting Productivity

Employees often work more effectively in a hybrid setup. Without constant office distractions — like impromptu meetings, hallway chats, and noise — they can focus on important tasks. Office days are used for collaborative work and strategic discussions, enhancing cooperation and innovation.

According to Future Forum, employees with location flexibility report 81% higher productivity scores, underscoring that there is no negative relationship between remote work and productivity.

How to Maximize Results:

• Provide employees the flexibility to choose where and when they work, adapting their work schedules.
• Encourage work-life balance to prevent burnout.

💰 Reducing Office Space Costs

Renting and maintaining office spaces is a significant expense for companies. Many organizations are adopting flexible workstations and shared areas, cutting costs on rent and utilities.

According to Global Workplace Analytics, companies can save up to $11,000 per year per employee working remotely half the time.

How to Maximize Results:

• Negotiate with landlords for reduced rent or more flexible terms.
• Implement workspace booking systems to optimize office space usage. For instance, with the UnSpot booking system, you can view real-time office analytics to determine how many more people can fit in the current space, helping you save on unnecessary rent and maintenance.

With UnSpot's desk booking software, you can also check the occupancy of individual meeting rooms, identify less utilized rooms and repurpose them accordingly.

🧩 Enhancing Business Adaptability

In a rapidly changing business environment, the ability to respond quickly is key to success. The hybrid model ensures work continuity during unforeseen circumstances like pandemics or natural disasters.

According to a Gartner report, 74% of companies plan to move to a continuous blended work model to improve business resilience.

How to Maximize Results:

• Develop business continuity strategies that include remote work.
• Use cloud services and digital tools to ensure resource accessibility from anywhere.

Challenges of Hybrid Work

💬 Communication Gaps Between Office and Remote Employees

Office-based employees might discuss project changes during in-person meetings, leaving remote colleagues out of the loop. This can lead to uncoordinated task execution, reducing overall team effectiveness.

PwC's 2023 study found that 65% of executives are concerned about the declining quality of communication in hybrid teams.

How to Avoid This:

• Establish unified communication channels for all employees.
• Use collaboration tools: shared documents, chats, video conferencing.

🥱 Challenges in Managing Productivity and Monitoring Results

Managers find it difficult to assess the performance of remote employees and the work being done. Lack of direct interaction can lead to distrust and tension, possibly resulting in micromanagement and reduced employee motivation.

According to PwC, many managers have difficulty evaluating the performance of remote employees and maintaining team effectiveness.

How to Avoid This:

• Set clear goals and performance metrics.
• Use project management systems to track progress.

🔐 Cybersecurity and Data Protection Issues

Blended work increases the risks of data breaches and cyberattacks. Employees might use unsecured networks or devices, jeopardizing company security.

The CyberArk 2024 Employee Risk Survey found that a significant percentage of employees surveyed (65%) find ways to circumvent cybersecurity policies in the name of productivity. And it's not about which security policies are bypassed, but which ones are bypassed on any given day.

CyberArk recommends that when developing new security strategies, organizations should eliminate the need for risky behavior with solutions that empower employees rather than slow them down.

How to Avoid This:

• Implement strict security policies for remote work.
• Use VPNs and data encryption.

Implementing a Hybrid Work Model

1. Assess Company Needs and Readiness

• Identify roles suitable for remote work using tools like Trello or Asana.
• Use Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to assess readiness and technical capabilities.
• Leverage BI tools like Power BI or Tableau for decision-making.

2. Develop a Clear Hybrid Work Policy

• Specify office and remote work schedules, communication, and reporting standards.
• Adapt hybrid policy templates from SHRM or CIPD.
• Present the policy in a Zoom or Microsoft Teams meeting and address FAQs.

3. Invest in Technological Infrastructure

• Provide laptops, VPNs, and software; centralize procurement with suppliers like Lenovo.
• Share equipment and software checklists with employees.
• Use tools like TeamViewer for remote IT setup and troubleshooting.

4. Adapt Office Space

• Use modular furniture and partitions for collaboration zones.
• Ensure high-speed Wi-Fi, ample outlets, and charging stations.
• Implement tools like UnSpot for workplace and meeting room reservations.

5. Train Staff on New Tools and Processes

• Provide training on new technologies and procedures to ensure clarity.
• Use platforms like Loom to create video tutorials.
• Conduct small group sessions for practice and Q&A.
• Assign mentors to support colleagues in mastering tools.

How to Build a Hybrid Work Culture

1. Establish Transparent and Open Communication

Ensure all employees, regardless of location, have access to information and can freely share ideas. 

Psychologist Amy Edmondson of Harvard Business School recommends developing psychological safety in a team. This means creating an environment where employees are not afraid to express opinions and share ideas.

2. Encourage Social Interaction Among Employees

Create opportunities for informal communication to strengthen social bonds and improve the team's psychological well-being, enhancing their employee experience.

3. Set Clear Goals and Expectations

Define clear tasks and success criteria so each team member understands their roles and can plan their work effectively.

Psychologist Locke Edwin and Gary Latham developed the goal-setting theory that specific and challenging goals increase productivity and motivation.

4. Provide Support for Mental Health

Offer resources and programs to support mental well-being, helping employees cope with stress, enhancing their employee experience.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends implementing programs to manage stress and prevent burnout in the workplace.

5. Promote Diversity and Inclusion

Create an environment that values different perspectives and experiences, fostering innovation and job satisfaction.

Professor Stephanie J. Crettenden of MIT notes that inclusive teams demonstrate greater efficiency and innovation.

Best Practices for Hybrid Work Productivity

1. Invest in Modern Digital Tools 

Equip your team with cutting-edge technologies for communication and collaboration. Utilizing cloud services, video conferencing, and project management platforms enables effective interaction from anywhere in the world.

Bill Gates said, “Technology is just a tool. What matters is how we use it to achieve our goals.

2. Focus on Outcomes, Not Processes

Shift from monitoring work hours to evaluating achieved results. Trust and autonomy encourage employees to take more responsibility and initiative.

Peter Drucker said, “What gets measured, gets managed”. By focusing on specific goals, you increase the effectiveness of the team.

3. Maintain a Culture of Continuous Feedback

Regular and constructive feedback helps employees grow professionally. Implement practices that encourage open communication and idea exchange.

Ken Blanchard said: “Feedback is the breakfast of champions. It allows you to make timely adjustments and improve your results.

4. Encourage Work-Life Balance

Hybrid work can blur the lines between professional and personal life. Create conditions that help employees maintain this balance: flexible schedules, breaks, and resources for mental health support.

Arianna Huffington said: “Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for success.”

5. Invest in Employee Training and Development

Provide access to educational resources and skill development programs. This enhances employee qualifications and fosters innovation.

Richard Branson asserted, “Train people well enough so they can leave, but treat them well enough so they don't want to.”

Main Thing on Hybrid Work

• Hybrid work, which combines remote and office formats, is rapidly gaining popularity and is predicted by Stanford professor Nick Bloom to become dominant by 2030.
• Large companies such as Amazon, JPMorgan and Google are already offering blended work, giving employees the flexibility to choose where they work.
• There are different types of hybrid models: fixed, prioritizing remote work, flexible, and with office as a priority.
• The benefits of blended working include increased productivity, reduced office costs, talent attraction and improved business agility.
• Despite challenges such as communication gaps and cybersecurity concerns, the right implementation and culture of blended work arrangements helps companies successfully overcome these challenges.

FAQs