As hybrid work continues to grow in popularity and be embraced by companies, the trend is likely to skyrocket even further over the course of 2023. With this type of working setup, employees have more flexibility with where they complete their tasks – allowing them either to do so at an office or remotely depending on their situation. Companies are recognizing the value that remote work offers, and finding ways to make it a cornerstone of their business model for years to come.
By 2023, hybrid work will give employees the ultimate freedom of flexibility and collaboration. The combination of remote and in-office working yields optimal outcomes for all involved; colleagues can collaborate from any location while still enjoying the benefits that come with physical office environments. Hybrid work empowers workers to decide when, where, and how they want to tackle projects—allowing them greater control over their day-to-day lives than ever before.
Additionally, hybrid work can boost employee well-being by providing alternatives that encourage a more satisfactory blend of personal and professional obligations. Companies who want to stay ahead should take into account hybrid working as an essential part of their long-term business approach.
2023 marks the year hybrid work will become commonplace, so it is time for businesses to start pondering how hybrid working could positively contribute to their success. If you are uncertain of its advantages, we have outlined 7 Advantages of hybrid work that should provide insight into the many benefits that come with embracing this trend in your business strategy.
1. Ability to attract and retain top talent
Another advantage of hybrid work is the ability to attract and retain top talent. Many employees value the flexibility that remote work offers and are more likely to consider job opportunities with companies that offer this option. By offering a hybrid work model, companies can attract a wider pool of qualified candidates and retain their top performers by meeting the needs of their employees.
Employers who are requiring employees to physically be in the workplace each day may face a higher risk of staff members submitting their resignations instead. This can prove even more difficult with Generation Z workers, who value flexibility and tend to prioritize remote working opportunities. According to a survey from ADP Research Institute, 64% of workers would seriously think about looking for work elsewhere if they were required to return to the office full-time. An even higher percentage of Gen Z workers – 71% – would start looking for another job.
2. Improved work-life balance
One of the main advantages of hybrid work is that it allows employees to have a better work-life balance. With the option to work from home, employees can avoid the commute and have more time to spend with their families or pursue personal interests. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity, as employees are able to work in an environment that is more conducive to their needs and preferences.
As part of the launch of its Future Forum, Slack revealed that 72% of remote workers surveyed desire a work situation combining both remote and office work. The results cite the advantages of better work-life balance plus the cost-saving benefits of having no commute. However, working remotely can be difficult as it requires strong connection building with colleagues, making social interaction more challenging and leaving individuals feeling isolated. Additionally, staying updated on what others are working on is a difficult task when you’re no longer in the office environment.
3. Increased flexibility
Hybrid work offers employees the flexibility to choose where they would prefer to work on any given day or week. This allows hybrid workers to take advantage of opportunities like working from home when it’s more convenient. It also enables them to better manage their work-life balance by having the option to step away from their desk when needed.
Although numerous businesses have or are planning to utilize a more flexible workspace policy, current company cultures can impede the full implementation of these changes. In fact, 56% of respondents in a study conducted by flexible workspace provider, IWG feel that changing the organizational culture is the primary impediment to executing a versatile workplace procedure, particularly in enterprises with an established and non-flexible labor approach. Moreover, 43% claim that fear over how adaptable working may affect the organization, all in all, is the largest obstacle they face.
4. Increased collaboration and communication
Having some employees working remotely can improve communication within a team or organization. Remote workers have access to real-time messaging and video conferencing tools that enable them to collaborate with colleagues regardless of location. This can lead to increased collaboration, better problem-solving, faster decision-making, and overall improved communication between teams.
A collaborative research project between Grammarly and The Harris Poll revealed a dire consequence of miscommunication in companies with 500 employees – over $6.25 million dollars lost annually to rectify communication issues. Of the surveyed business leaders, many reported that besides the monetary cost, there were other damaging repercussions such as missed deadlines, reduced productivity levels, and damaged brand reputation due to lack of clear communication.
Once considered “nice to have,” video conferencing along with a flexible cloud-based telephone system are now considered necessities in keeping communication flowing smoothly. While a must for work, dealing with multiple platforms to send a timely response can be overwhelming. Companies need to pay close attention to setting limits on such channels so employees do not feel like they need to quickly answer all messages 24/7.
Asynchronous work, a term used to describe a working style in which tasks, communication, and processes are not time-bound in a linear way, excels when there is little need for meetings and immediate responses to messages. Unfortunately, many remote working arrangements have merely digitalized traditional office culture – thereby nullifying the advantages of asynchronous working!
To ensure effective asynchronous collaboration, meetings should be restructured and communication must also be overhauled. Integrating task boards as well as other systems can act not only to manage information but additionally promote transparency among employees.
Employees can stay in the loop on project progress and collaborate with each other effortlessly, avoiding lengthy email conversations.
5. Cost savings for both the company and employees
Hybrid work can also lead to cost savings for both the company and its employees. Companies can save on overhead costs such as office space and utilities by having fewer employees in the office at any given time. Employees can save on transportation and other commuting costs by working from home.
Additionally, having the option to work remotely can be a huge cost saver for a parent with a sick child. Where they would previously need to rearrange schedules or possibly even hire a babysitter, they can quickly switch to working remotely to provide care for their child at home, while not missing work.
6. Ability to work with a dispersed workforce
Hybrid work can also be beneficial for companies that have employees in different locations. With the ability to work remotely, employees can be more easily integrated into the team, regardless of their physical location. This can be especially beneficial for companies with a dispersed workforce or for those looking to tap into new markets.
If you or your business is new to working with employees in different time zones, there are a few best practices to follow. Be sure to clearly communicate when it comes to meetings and timezone boundaries. While you may be accustomed to working between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, your coworkers in different parts of the world may be used to working at odd hours. This does not mean that one team or the other needs to dramatically change their hours. You should, however, be aware of those in different time zones and respect their time as you would wish they respect yours.
7. Improved job satisfaction and productivity
Finally, hybrid work can also help companies to be more agile and responsive to changing business needs. With the ability to quickly adjust the mix of in-office and remote workers, companies can respond to changing demands and adapt to new challenges more easily.
The flexibility hybrid work provides also allows employees to plan their days around important events or needs, such as caring for children or elderly relatives. Employees can balance their work and home lives more effectively, leading to healthier habits and improved productivity. Hybrid work gives both companies and employees the freedom to determine when their work is best completed in person or remotely without sacrificing quality of life.
Overall, it is clear that hybrid work is likely to become an increasingly important part of the way we work in the coming years. By offering the benefits of both in-office and remote work, companies can create a more flexible, agile, and productive workforce that is better able to meet the needs of the business.
Final Thoughts
The hybrid work approach is becoming an increasingly popular way for companies to optimize their workforce. With hybrid work, employees have the flexibility to choose when and where to work, depending on their needs and preferences. Not only does hybrid work lead to increased collaboration and communication between team members, but it can also allow companies with a dispersed workforce to easily integrate them into the team. Additionally, hybrid work can improve job satisfaction as well as productivity by allowing employees more freedom in how they structure their day-to-day activities.
While hybrid work offers numerous advantages for both businesses and employees alike, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed – such as revising the traditional office culture and restructuring meetings for asynchronous collaboration. For businesses looking to make hybrid work part of their long-term business plan, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with hybrid working arrangements.
Hybrid work frameworks are transforming how we do business and are becoming an increasingly popular way to optimize our workforce. By offering flexibility to employees while also providing opportunities for collaboration between team members regardless of location, hybrid work is a win-win situation for both businesses and employees. If you’re looking to make hybrid work part of your business, now is the time to start. Create a clear hybrid work strategy that addresses the advantages and challenges associated with hybrid working arrangements, and get ready to reap the benefits!
If you are ready to set your business up for the hybrid work environment, give Monster VoIP a call today at (877) 818-9696.
