Top 5 Benefits of Hybrid Work: Why It’s Here to Stay

There has been a paradigm shift in the global workforce since the conception of hybrid work. Often described by employees as the best of both worlds, hybrid work is an operational arrangement that allows employees to work flexibly while also ensuring in-office collaboration from time to time. According to McKinsey, 58% of employees reported increased productivity due to hybrid work. The same report also suggests that 54% of employees noted an improvement in inclusion and diversity at the workplace. Given that this shift towards a flexible working mode is underway, let us understand what makes it an increasingly preferred choice for employees and businesses.

Hybrid Work is the New Normal

A report by Accenture suggests that over 63% of high-growth organizations have incorporated the hybrid work model to optimize their resources and maintain a productive workforce. Today, leaders across industries have realized that a strong work culture does not necessarily depend on proximity but on intentionality. It shows that a team’s efficiency is more important than the physical location they are working from.

A recent study by AT&T found that the hybrid work model is projected to grow from 42% in 2021 to 81% by 2024. Many business leaders now foresee this flexible working arrangement as the new standard of the modern workforce. It grants more autonomy to employees and allows them to be more creative, engaged, motivated, and productive, directly impacting an organization’s success.

The hybrid work model offers the sociability and structure of an office along with the flexibility and independence of working remotely. Companies that insist on an ‘all-office’ model enhances the likelihood of an increase in staff turnover. This may cost them dearly and even cause them to lose their top employees to competitors.

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Does Productivity Get Impacted by Hybrid Work?

Most employees in organizations that embrace hybrid work attribute their productivity to the flexible work schedule. Generally, employees who have direct control over their work environment are able to focus and perform better. In hybrid work, employees are free to work from anywhere they feel most productive.

They tend to have more time to care for their well-being, enhancing their productivity. According to a study by Ergotron, 40% of employees work longer hours at home than at the office. The same study also claims that employees are sedentary for five hours or 63% of their workday in the office. So, embracing hybrid work results in longer and more productive working hours. However, it is important to note that not every organization measures productivity by the same performance standards.

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5 Skills Needed to Excel in a Hybrid Work Environment

With organizations increasingly moving away from the traditional way of working and going hybrid, it has become necessary for employees to acquire the right skill set to work in a hybrid environment. For example, here are the five skills that every hybrid employee should possess:

1. Digital Literacy

This involves understanding how to navigate digital technologies required to communicate with team members and carry out work-related tasks. Employees must also have a good understanding of role-specific software and digital communication tools.

ALSO READ: How Hybrid Work Models Can Enable Digital Growth in 2023

2. Communication and Collaboration

Hybrid employees should have strong communication skills regardless of their location in order to carry out tasks efficiently. This will enhance their collaboration skills and enable them to share important information, discuss projects or address concerns.

3. Organization

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ schedule for the hybrid work model. Some organizations may allow employees to choose their in-office or remote work days. In such cases, it is incredibly important to remain organized in order to stay on top of tasks. A flexible working environment requires structuring your responsibilities and effectively prioritizing day-to-day tasks.

4. Adaptability

Adaptability is a critical skill to develop in a hybrid work scenario. Mainly because employees are required to switch between two (sometimes more) different working environments. For example, some organizations may require employees to work from the office only twice a week. Additionally, they are given a choice to work remotely for the rest of the week. Moreover, this may require a change in approach or using different devices, depending upon the nature of the job. Strong adaptability skills allow employees to ease into different work environments, irrespective of the task.

5. Time Management

Attaining a work-life balance is one of the biggest advantages of hybrid work. This is why knowing how to utilize time effectively is key. Hybrid employees are sometimes required to be more autonomous than traditional employees and proactively meet their goals. They may use productivity tools such as time management software or activity calendars to stay on track.

Benefits of Hybrid Work

A hybrid work model allows companies to find a middle ground between on-site and remote work. Employees also get the opportunity to reap a variety of benefits that allow them to focus and perform well at work. However, besides these obvious advantages of hybrid work, why should employers encourage hybrid working practices? Let us understand this by looking at the top five benefits of hybrid work:

1. Boosts Employee Productivity

Employees can choose their work hours and ‘in-office’ days in a hybrid work environment. This gives them more control over their work, resulting in increased focus and productivity levels while working.

2. Reduces Overhead Costs

Companies could consider realigning their real estate strategies if a distributed workforce works from different locations. Furthermore, they can do this by investing in a smaller office space in order to lower overheads. Additionally, being strategic about costs can generate significant savings in companies that embrace hybrid work.

3. Enhances Employee Experience

Hybrid work offers employees more flexibility and better work-life balance. This ensures that the work environment remains autonomous and collaborative. It places more value and trust in employees, boosting innovation and driving adaptability. In fact, an Accenture survey reveals that 40% of employees claim to work effectively from anywhere.

4. Propels Diversity

It gives companies the ability to hire remotely. This can bring in new possibilities for diversity and inclusion at an enterprise level. Moreover, they can tap into remote regions or even global job markets. Employees, too, get the opportunity to work with professionals across countries and time zones.

5. Reduces Commute Time and Costs

Commuting to work on a daily basis costs valuable time and money. On the other hand, this type of working model allows employees to minimize commuting time and use it more mindfully. Furthermore, they can use the time saved to serve personal goals such as working out, taking up a hobby, or learning something new.

Thrive in a Hybrid Work Environment with Emeritus

In conclusion, hybrid work is here to stay and is rapidly becoming the new normal for companies worldwide. It offers employees the flexibility they crave and allows companies to benefit from increased productivity and reduced costs. However, navigating this new way of working can be challenging, and having the right tools and knowledge to succeed is important. That’s where online courses from Emeritus come in. With a range of programs designed to help professionals excel in a hybrid work environment, Emeritus is the perfect partner for anyone looking to thrive in this new world of work. Sign up for an Emeritus course today and take your career to the next level!

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