What is Hybrid Working?
Hybrid working is an arrangement between an employer and its employees that allows the latter to work in an office on certain days, while working remotely for the remainder. Prior to 2020, hybrid working was mostly permitted in the case of extenuating circumstances. Since then, most companies – where possible – have adopted such a model.
Why is hybrid working so common now?
In recent times, hybrid and remote work has become a regular feature in our professional lives. Businesses continue to adapt to a change in expectations, brought about by arguably the most significant global event of the twenty-first century. For this reason, the needs of businesses – both small and large – when it comes to office space have changed irrevocably.
What is the difference between remote working and hybrid working?
It is important to make the distinction between remote working and hybrid working. The former involves an employee working from a location of their choice rather than an office, whereas the latter combines time at an employer’s physical space and elsewhere.
What do people think about hybrid working?
Hybrid working is favoured by many, particularly those who are able to work on a laptop and fulfil their responsibilities in this way. It is often the preferred arrangement for employers, balancing the convenience of remote working with the benefit of contact time between employees.
In our ever-changing world of work, most companies still insist on hybrid working over remote working, consisting usually of two-to-three days in the office and two-to-three days at home. Many people cite time savings from the lack of a commute as one of the main benefits of hybrid working, while also claiming this type of arrangement improves efficiency. Some employers still believe in the power of an office to increase overall output, but the jury is – understandably – still out on this. Read on for a non-exhaustive breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid working.
Advantages of hybrid working
- Improved work-life balance.
- More time available for personal activities (linked to general well-being).
- Fewer external distractions.
- No commuting costs.
- Time saved from commuting.
Disadvantages of hybrid working
- Isolation from colleagues.
- Potential difficulty of distinguishing between personal and professional life.
- Security concerns, especially for those handling sensitive information.
- Distractions in the home, such as children, pets or chores.
- Installation of new equipment or software, as well as associated costs.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to creating professional spaces, we have designed units with the post-pandemic world of work in mind. Whether you are a creative or a professional in need of an adaptable physical location, Electric Works has something for you.