Considering switching to a hybrid office model as a business owner? With so many benefits and drawbacks to a hybrid workspace, it is essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making any decisions on whether to fully transition to this type of operation.
Considering how these issues will be addressed before committing to a hybrid workplace is vital.
What is a hybrid office space?
A hybrid model means different things depending on whom you ask. For example, if you’re talking about an organization where everyone works remotely during the week, they do so in a virtual environment. On the other hand, if you’re referring to an organization where people work in the same place every day, they work in a hybrid model. Either way, this article will discuss both options.
Pros of Hybrid Offices
- Lower real estate costs
Not having everyone in the same place means you don’t need to rent an entire building for your employees. This could be a significant financial advantage if you’re located in a high-rent area like Washington, D.C., or New York City. Renting a smaller office building might be the best route for a hybrid model approach.
- Employee morale is an important
According to a recent survey by Robert Half, nearly half (49%) of employees prefer a model whereby they work from remote locations and in-person offices. However, there’s another option: Employees who want to work remotely but feel uncomfortable doing so may be able to opt for a hybrid approach.
A hybrid workplace model allows for flexibility regarding where people choose to be when they’re at their desks. For example, employees who want to come into the offices may do so, but those who prefer working from home can do so too.
The findings from the same study by Half indicate that one-quarter of employees who work remotely feel that their employer has not offered them enough flexibility. Therefore, flexible hours and telecommuting options may increase staff morale and retention.
- Health and safety of employees
Having fewer people in an organization can mean increased space for social distancing for in-person employees, which may help stop the spreading of viruses. In addition, a healthy workforce can save money that would have been used on sick leave. It also reduces healthcare expenses and boosts productivity.
- Larger talent pool
One advantage of hiring someone remotely is that it expands your talent pool. In an old-fashioned employer/employee relationship, employers are restricted to hiring people who live near them. But if you can hire someone anywhere, you can find the best person for the job no matter where they happen to live. And if you’re willing to pay enough, you can get anyone you want.
- A better work-life balance
Work-life balance should be considered. Fewer hours of commuting allow employees to pursue personal interests and family life. However, a hybrid work environment can give employees who work only a portion of the week an opportunity to interact with colleagues in person. A hybrid work environment can provide an outstanding balance between working fewer hours and still seeing coworkers in person.
Companies benefit greatly from increased work-family balance by receiving numerous benefits, including:
- Increased productivity
- Lowering employee absenteeism
- Lower employee turnover
- Improved employee morale
Cons of a Hybrid Office
- Employee Fairness
One concern when working with a hybrid model is that if some employees work remotely and others in person, there could be an imbalance with adequate staff. Will pay raises and promotions be distributed fairly among those who work both ways? Or will hybrid and remote employees be at an advantage over those who work only in person? How will workplace politics play out?
- Employee Burnout
Remote workers may feel the urge constantly to be “on” and work longer hours than their colleagues who remain at the workplace. If so, this could result in burnout and increased anxiety and depression among these employees.
For most people, the risks associated with burnout are not severe enough to outweigh the benefits of working from home or having an office at home. However, companies should be aware of these risks and take steps to mitigate them.
- Work Equipment Considerations
If an employee works from home part of the time and part of the time in the workplace, how much equipment will they need to duplicate? Of course, taking their computer back and forth will be easy, but how about the second monitor? And the ergonomic keyboard?
- Company Culture
It can be challenging to keep company culture alive when some of your employees work remotely. You need to ensure that they share a common purpose. For example, if you want them to collaborate on projects, you must provide an open space where they can meet regularly.
Final Thoughts
A hybrid office model has many advantages but has some drawbacks. Therefore, it is essential to consider them carefully before implementing them.
