The Coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed the way in which we work and how we view the work-life balance. Now that the UK has lifted nearly all COVID-related restrictions, a huge emphasis has been put on what future working arrangements will look like.
The general consensus amongst those that have been working remotely due to COVID-19 is that employees want to be able to divide their working time between home working and working in a physical office meaning the introduction of hybrid working for a lot of employers.
Read on to discover the key pros and cons that could be associated with hybrid working:
Pros of hybrid working
Productivity
Hybrid working can greatly improve productivity amongst the workforce. Enabling employees to work from home in a hybrid model means they have the flexibility to complete tasks they would otherwise have to save until the weekend if they were working in the office full-time. Simple things like being able to put a load of laundry on during a lunch break means employees are able to focus and be more productive whilst they are working. It also means the weekends can be reclaimed for relaxation and socializing instead of catching up on the housework.
Widening the talent pool
Hybrid working can help organisations to widen their talent pool as it can attract applicants from further afield. It can also help to attract talent that otherwise wouldn’t have been able to apply if it weren’t for hybrid working for example, parents and individuals with caring responsibilities. This can result in an increase in the breadth and quality of the talent pool.
Reduction in overheads
With potentially fewer employees in the office at one time, employers may find themselves able to downsize their office space thus reducing the costs associated.
Cons of hybrid working
Poor relationships
Working from home can make it difficult to form good relationships with colleagues which can lead to poor team communication. Good working relationships and even friendships aren’t forged in the same way through a computer screen as they are in person which can make working relationships strained and tense.
Employee divisions
If you have a mixture of hybrid and office workers it can potentially cause a divide between the two. Office workers may feel that hybrid working colleagues have it easier and don’t work as hard. Whereas hybrid workers may feel that their office-based colleagues have better opportunities as they are able to see management in person and make more of an impression.
Hybrid working can be an incredibly useful tool if actioned correctly. We can help with planning and the correct policies to make hybrid working work for your business – just get in touch! Drop us an email at hello@hrrevolution.co.uk
