This is why companies should champion hybrid and remote work

In 2020, the working world changed forever. Across the globe, lockdowns forced companies – many of whom would never have envisaged implementing a remote work model – to set their employees up with everything they needed to work from home. And, despite the difficult circumstances, many of these newly remote workers didn’t just rise to the challenge; they positively thrived in their new environment.

It’s understandable, then, that many employees don’t want to go back to the old office-based environment. Remote work has allowed them to save money on commuting and expensive city living, obtain a better work-life balance, and to balance childcare responsibilities and other duties more effectively, too. And, on top of all of that, employers saw an unexpected rise in productivity and output – meaning that everyone benefited from a remote work model.

As Microsoft quoted, “80% of managers say they expect more flexible work from home policies post-pandemic with more than 70% of employees saying they’ll take advantage of them.”

Of course, going fully remote isn’t for everyone; some people miss the in-person human connection of office environment. This is where a hybrid work model comes in. Removing the restraints that typically come with a job, a hybrid work model allows employees the flexibility to choose where they will work; it could be fully remote, or fully office-based, or a flexible blend of the two. It also, typically, allows them more autonomy over when they work, too; some might opt for earlier or later starts, others for compressed hours, and others for part-time work, to better suit their needs.

It might sound frightening to employers, but championing hybrid and remote work can be hugely beneficial to the company as a whole. Got starters, there are significant savings on office overheads if your employees work from home some of the time. And it can boost productivity levels, too; an HSBC survey found that 77% of higher-growth companies have reported higher productivity levels since going hybrid. It allows you to hire from a wider pool of talent, too, as you don’t just have people from your immediate postcodes interviewing for new roles.

Essentially, a hood hybrid work model should offer the best of both worlds: structure and sociability, remote work and human connection, independence and flexibility. With so many benefits to employees and employees alike, companies should champion hybrid and remote work going forward; it’s the future – no doubt about it!