Remote or hybrid working has now been with us for nearly four years and while some organizations are starting to encourage (or even force) their staff back into the office, say for two or three days a week, this remote/hybrid work is very much here to stay.
While not all jobs are suitable for hybrid and remote working, such as construction and working in shops, other industries such as knowledge workers are very suitable.
Remote or hybrid working has proven benefits for organizations and staff – namely:
- Flexibility: Hybrid working allows employees to have greater flexibility in choosing where they work, whether it’s from home, the office, or other remote locations. This flexibility enables employees to better balance work and personal responsibilities, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced stress.
- Increased Productivity: Many employees report being more productive when working remotely, thanks to reduced distractions and the ability to tailor their work environment to suit their preferences. Hybrid working allows employees to capitalize on the benefits of remote work while still maintaining access to office resources and collaboration opportunities.
- Cost Savings: Hybrid working Can result in cost savings for both employers and employees. Companies can save on overhead costs associated with maintaining large office spaces, while employees can save money on commuting expenses, work attire, and meals.
- Talent Acquisition and Retention: Offering hybrid working arrangements can make a company more attractive to top talent. Employees value flexibility and work-life balance, and companies that offer hybrid working options are more likely to attract and retain skilled professionals.
- Diverse Talent Pool: Hybrid working allows companies to tap into a more diverse talent pool by removing geographical barriers to recruitment. Employers can hire the best candidates for the job, regardless of their location, leading to a more inclusive and innovative workforce.
- Environmental Impact: Reduced commuting and office energy consumption associated with hybrid working can have a positive environmental impact. Fewer cars on the road lead to lower carbon emissions, while decreased energy usage in office buildings contributes to sustainability efforts.
- Improved Work-Life Balance: Hybrid working enables employees to better balance their work and personal lives. By eliminating or reducing long commutes and offering greater flexibility in scheduling, employees have more time to spend with family, pursue hobbies, and take care of their well-being.
- Resilience and Business Continuity: Hybrid working can make organizations more resilient in the face of disruptions such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or transportation strikes. With remote work capabilities already in place, companies can quickly adapt to changing circumstances and maintain business continuity.
In fact, many organizations are using hybrid and remote working as a benefit to join them in the same way they will often push benefits such as pay, holidays, pensions and career development.
Therefore, the main prediction over the next 12 months is that remote and hybrid working will become the norm
This means organizations that do not follow this trend would either lose staff, obtain poor reputations and potentially even fade away.
This means organizations will need to build systems, processes and capabilities to support this new norm.
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