The pandemic has changed the way we work, maybe forever.
Over the past year and a half, more employees have worked remotely than ever before. While most of us have only grown accustomed to this type of work set up now, it has eliminated the belief that remote work doesn’t work. And though we’ve slowly got the hang of it, this doesn’t mean that the office won’t be an asset needed moving forward.
Disadvantages of the entire team working remote full-time
Though some companies have embraced remote work, there are still others that believe that working in an office is something that could take them over the top. Remote work alone is not sustainable for some businesses and employees in the long run as it has its own set of challenges.
From the outside looking in, it may seem as if it would be much easier to balance work and personal life when working remotely, but it could actually be the opposite. When working from home, it’s difficult to determine the physical distinction between the place of work and the place to relax and unwind. Some don’t have the space or capability to set up their own home office.
Working in the office also allows coworkers to bond and share experiences that build relationships in and out of work. With the lack of social interaction when working from home, it’s difficult to connect with one another despite the different available channels as strong as when coworkers are physically in the same space.
While distractions can be found everywhere, even in offices, there could be even more at homes such as family, pets, and even your favorite Netflix show. Everyone’s workspace at home is different and it may be difficult for some to escape distractions as compared to others, which shows that not everyone has the personal space to remain productive while working remotely.
What is a hybrid work arrangement and why is this something that companies are considering moving forward?
A hybrid working arrangement allows employees to work from different locations, whether it be at home, the office, a coffee shop, or the like. And no, this doesn’t mean you need to choose between working in the office or at home full time. This flexible work setup provides employees with different workplace options while also allowing proper time for face-to-face interactions between coworkers for collaborative work and relationship building as needed. Here are a few benefits of utilizing a hybrid work arrangement for your business!
Create a better work-life balance for the team.
Finding the perfect balance between work and personal life is much more achievable with a flexible work arrangement. Flexibility is a key reason for individuals being attracted to a hybrid work arrangement. When individuals have control over their schedules, it’s much easier to set aside time during the day to take care of personal matters.
Minimize your businesses expenses for real estate.
By rethinking and adjusting your real estate strategy, you can lower the expenses of the company used for this. In a hybrid work setup, fewer people come into the office. This means that there’s no need to hold on to the costly real estate investment to fit the entire staff of the company. Businesses can look into allocating their investments in satellite offices and coworking spaces to provide different workplace options for their team.
Allow individuals to work during the time where they’re most productive.
In a hybrid work arrangement, employees have the freedom and flexibility to get work done when they feel most productive, whether it be in the morning, afternoon, or evening, as compared to a traditional office arrangement where people are expected to follow a 9 to 5 daily work schedule. They also have the option to work with teammates on-site or do heads-down work from a remote location, whichever gets their creative gears turning.
Access the best talent around!
In a hybrid work arrangement, your company has the capabilities to hire talent from all around the globe. Having access to a wider talent pool means you can hire people with specialized skills. This can give your organization a competitive edge, help you move into new markets, and ensure around-the-clock productivity.
Flatten the curve of COVID-19 and other viruses.
The concern for most employees when it comes to returning to the office is health and safety due to the ongoing pandemic. Less people in the office allows proper social distancing between coworkers and lessens the chances of a sick employee infecting another. And since people have the option to work remotely under most hybrid work models, a sick employee can stay home altogether.
The hybrid work arrangement has made a strong impact and is here to stay. This should be something that businesses strongly consider moving forward. As businesses slowly reopen and return to operations with safety protocols, businesses need to have more consideration towards the work preference of their employees to get the best outputs while maintaining a healthy working lifestyle. Depending on the individual, some may work better from home while others may need more interactions for better collaboration and communication.
If you’re looking for the perfect workspace to support a hybrid work arrangement, Acceler8 could be the solution for you! Click here to learn more about our wide range of services to cater to your workspace needs.