Before the coronavirus outbreak, flexible working was just a luxury for a few people. The term “hybrid working” started off but with a slow start. London is known as the flex capital of the work that allowed flexible workspaces with Google and WeWork bringing a more solid reality of flexible working in real estate for over a century.
After the coronavirus outbreak came the pandemic induced work lifestyle. The pandemic resulted in massive work shifts, which then resulted in remote work turning into hybrid work standards. Remote work soon became a norm after the coronavirus outbreak forced many companies to send their employees back home.
Remote work was surely a mini-vacation for exhausted 9-5 hustle employees, but it surely had its challenges. Remote working when allowed employees to spend a lot more time with their families, it also brought troubles for the employers wanting to witness normal workplace functioning some parts of the week.
Once the expectations shifted from remote working, hybrid working took place. The hybrid-working model is now shaping the world of work and we can see how. If you are not familiar with how the hybrid-working model acts, in this blog we are going to guide you on everything about the rising working standards.
What is a Hybrid Work Model?
Let us begin with the basics: A hybrid work model actually does not have a clear-cut definition. Hybrid work refers to a blend of remote and office work, which depends upon an individual or organization.
If you have come running to the blog, there are high chances that your company is continuing with the hybrid work model or you are looking for a job that offers the luxury of blended working. Whatever the case is, we are here to help. There is a variety of hybrid strategies that companies can implement. These hybrid strategies reflect healthy work culture and put the best workplace policies in order. Not to forget that employees’ sentiments are attached with this form of work model as the majority of employees in the United States prefer working from home at least some days a week.
The recent survey by Flex Jobs shows that only 3% of employees in the United States are willing to work in a pre-pandemic style in the office—what they see as a normal work model. Moreover, the majority of employees are leaning towards remote and hybrid working standards.
Companies who do not value employees’ sentiments at this point are only fueling up the Great Resignation Trend. The infamous Great Resignation Trend, which is continuing with all its glory is all about employees not bowing down to strict in-office requirements.
Talking about the hybrid strategies, it is for sure that companies cannot go for the one-size-fits-all kind of situation. Businesses now have plenty of options to look forward to, some of which are mentioned below:
- Remote-first
- Office-first
- 3-2
- Office occasional
- Designated work from home days
If you are stuck at a point where you have to make a proper decision about your work life in the future, you need to dive into the details of these hybrid-working strategies. To help you with this, we have done our research.
Office-first
If a hybrid company started approaching the office’s first situation, they are essentially claiming that the office will remain the dominant workplace and home will not be given the same status as the workplace. However, this does not mean that the company cannot offer any flexibility. Rather, business is indicating that the office is the primary workspace where employees can get most of their work done but they can also occasionally practice remote work.
Remote First
A remote-first hybrid strategy for companies typically indicates that the company allows employees to opt for remote work as their primary work option. Of course, there will be a few exceptions where employees will be called back to the office but for the major part of the week, they are working from their homes.
3-2
The 3-2 hybrid work model refers to a hybrid strategy where the business requires employees to spend three working days in the office and two days from their home, or vice versa. These options are one of the ideal approaches to keep a business culture healthy. We have seen a routine being the most regarded among companies as it helps in team binding while also allowing employees to experience the comfort of working from home.
Office Occasional
Hybrid companies with designated office days are termed as office occasional. This type of hybrid work strategy allows employers to have employees in the office when their presence is needed. This can also be termed as times when employees are called for team-building exercises or collaboration purposes.
Designated Work from Home days
Finally, this hybrid strategy lets employers assign days where they believe it is necessary for employees to work remotely. As opposed to fully remote or fully office-based, companies with designated work for home days can help employees set guidelines and expectations around their work. Take companies like Amazon, for example, that have allowed their employees to work from home two days per week.
The beauty of blending working is the environment it creates for the employees. If you are wondering what environment we are referring to, then read further.
A hybrid office might be a lot different from your typical office but it sometimes has some similarities too. Except you are not visiting the office every day, taking the dreading commute to work 5 times a week, or returning back to your home only to eat and sleep, rest everything is the same. But just like the pre-pandemic working standards, hybrid work also requires employees to log into their work essentials on the time, collaborate on different projects, and keep the communication going on with their team members.
The Essentials for Hybrid Model
When working from home or office, certain essentials are necessary. First things first, when working from home, even if it is only 2 days a week, you have to invest in the right high-speed internet service.
If you are working from the United States, there are a good number of internet service providers you can catch up with for effective remote work.
Internet service providers like Spectrum Internet or Cox Commutations offer bundles and deals that are perfect for an average American household. However, if you are looking for a standalone internet plan then there are a bunch of internet packages for you to look at.
Option No. 1 – Spectrum Internet
Spectrum Internet offers fast internet speed on multiple devices with 99.9% network reliability without any annual contracts or other hassles. All this and more in just $49.99/mo. for 12 months. Not to mention, Spectrum Customer Service is great for remote workers who need immediate assistance in case of any internet trouble.
You can also enjoy hassle-free internet service with a 30-day money-back guarantee, no termination fees, and no contracts for you to tie around with.
Option No. 2 – Cox Internet
If you want to enjoy a trouble-free relaxation and connectivity experience with Cox Communications, the provider offers the best Internet, TV, and phone bundles.
Again, if you are looking for stand-alone internet plans, Cox Internet offers download speed ranging from 25 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. You can enjoy reliable Wi-Fi coverage and multiple savings with Cox Internet Bundles.
Similar to Spectrum, you can get hassle-free internet service with 30 days money-back guarantee.
You can subscribe to Cox internet plans to enjoy these benefits and many more with $29.99/mo. for 12 months with a 1-year agreement.
Hybrid Advantage for Employer
There is a good number of factors for which hybrid work situations are considered healthy for employees. Considering the fact that employees get to enjoy the time spent with employees while also contributing to their home life.
However, what is in it for the employers? Well, after experiencing two years in a no typical workplace, we have seen some benefits of hybrid work for the employers some of which are mentioned below:
Employee Well Being
This hybrid advantage is self-explanatory, the healthier your work culture is, the better your employees will feel, and employee well-being means they will put effort into working towards the success of the company.
With a hybrid work structure, employees can create a better routine for their home and office and schedule their duties outside work with ease. Alternatively, employees will enjoy their time during work and participate in blending on the system that their employers provide. This will result in greater productivity and a higher employee satisfaction rate.
Lowered Cost
Again, the obvious advice for employees working from home is to put cost-cutting strategies in order. For example, the biggest advantage is office rents are lowered. This office rent budget can then be dedicated elsewhere, either for employee health care or for more.
Bottom line
Hybrid working standards are surely a win-win situation for both employees and employers. However, to put the right hybrid work strategies in order, try generating benefits of the hybrid work mode and the challenges that come with it.