As with everything in life, we've learned that even at work, there isn't a single model that works perfectly for everyone.
Especially now that the benefits of remote work have become clear, many workers feel that they can work most efficiently and in the most concentrated way when they sit in their own living room.
Others have trouble separating themselves from daily social office interaction or the hustle and bustle of team meetings. And that's because different working models simply work differently for different people.
Because different people have different ways to motivate themselves, be productive and focus on the now and now. And that is exactly why the hybrid work model is so phenomenal and revolutionary: It enables employees to finally decide for themselves how they want to work — and how they work best. And that is not only good for the employee, but also for the employer. Because a happier, more balanced, and stimulated employee means an increase in productivity, engagement, and results.
There are many reasons why we believe everyone should move to hybrid work. But now we're focusing on employees. Here are four reasons why your employees will prefer hybrid work — and how everyone can benefit from it.
1. The return of collaboration
Although the core purpose of the office may have been to be the central location where all work is done, the core purpose in the hybrid work model has simply changed. Rather, it has shifted to the fact that it is an environment that enables employees to connect and work together.
During the transition to remote work, many companies have tried to maintain the social factor that is so important for a work environment through virtual cocktail hours or morning coffee. But it is simply something different to have colleagues face-to-face and not just behind an illuminated screen. 28% of employees have stated that relationships with colleagues suffer when working completely remotely.
It is also more efficient when the collaboration takes place in person. Brainstorming sessions are much more fruitful when you sit side by side, drink coffee, share ideas, and chat. For this reason, have 87% of employee stated that the office is an important environment for working with team members and building relationships.
With hybrid work, this aspect is not lost. With office management tools, employees can see when who will be in the office and try to organize joint meetings and meetings. This model is great for building relationships and fostering the creativity and innovation that comes from personal collaboration. workers report in a hybrid work model about “more positive effects on creativity, relationships, productivity, communication and problem solving.”
2. The social network
Imagine being hired at a new company and having your first “onboarding” week. At home, behind a screen. Your first meetings take place in Microsoft Teams, with people you can only see in 2D. Your first performance review with management that you've never met in person.
As crazy as it may sound, that is the reality that most new hires have experienced in the pandemic year. While the benefits of remote work became apparent, one of its biggest pitfalls also became apparent: the lack of networking opportunities. And it wasn't just new employees who had difficulties getting started. For many employees, the office is a hotbed of networking opportunities and career advancement opportunities.
This is especially true for younger people who are at the beginning of their careers and are looking for proximity to mentors and older employees who can give them advice and guidance. This type of relationship is almost impossible if you've never met the person before. For this reason, almost half (48%) of Gen Z and Gen Y (18-29 year olds) are much more interested in a hybrid working model with a maximum of three days of remote work.
However, the lack of visibility that the remote work model entails is also a problem for all professionals. A fifth, to be exact. The opportunity to give employees the option to come to the office and make contacts, or even to organize networking events, brings back this aspect that had previously been lost.
3. Better work-life balance
It took a pandemic to realize that it might not be the best way to constantly combine life and work. If you commute to work for up to an hour, spend more than nine hours in the office, eat with your colleagues and commute home for an hour — that's a lot of time. And it may have taken a pandemic to recognize that remote work not only increases productivity but also reduces stress.
The greater control over working life that remote work entails enables a balanced schedule. Employees can use the time they've spent commuting to focus on their physical health at the gym. They can set aside more time for their children and families. You can take breaks in peace and seclusion, just as you wish.
An astonishing number: 91% of workers stated that they experience a better work-life balance when working remotely. This is partly due to the control they regain over their lives. But it is also due to reduced stress. Remote work means that companies trust their employees. This increased trust has led to lower levels of stress, which is linked to greater self-confidence, more self-reliance and independence. In fact, there were 40% of workers that are less likely to suffer from burnout when using a remote or hybrid work model.
4. Increased concentration
Concentration is different for everyone. The same goes for distractions. Some workers are distracted by music, chewing noises or even street noise. Some workers only have a certain amount of time before they have to get up and go for a walk. Either way, we can't assume that everyone's concentration is the same.
However, we found that working completely remotely makes it difficult for many workers to concentrate over extended periods of time. In fact, held 50% of workers it's difficult to manage their time and focus when they're working from home.
And it's true that you're less able to concentrate at home if you don't have management looking over your shoulder or a refrigerator that you can open when you're hungry. Being able to come to the office is therefore a relief for many who feel that their productivity is declining.
But that is not true for everyone. Some people find that the office has as many or even more distractions than their own home—just with fewer people around them. Research has shown that the optimal point is somewhere in between. employees who are working 60-80% of their working time remotely at least three days a week has the highest engagement rates.
We'll say it again and again: Hybrid Work simply works. It works for everyone. For both workers and employers, both introverts and extroverts, both baby boomers and generation Z. It gives you the feeling that the company trusts you without you losing control and overview. Employees can choose their ideal working environment without losing collaboration. And above all, it enables a balanced working life, which increases productivity, motivation and well-being.
