What is a hybrid working model?

Hybrid working models are becoming increasingly popular in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. This way of working combines the best of both worlds, offering employees the flexibility and autonomy of working from home or other remote locations, while still maintaining a sense of connection and collaboration with their colleagues and the organization.

Overall, hybrid working models offer a number of benefits for both employees and organisations and are likely to become an increasingly common way of working in the future. With the right technology and support in place, it’s possible to create a hybrid working environment that is productive, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

 

What is the difference between hybrid and remote work?

Hybrid work and remote work are similar in that they both involve employees working from locations outside of a traditional office. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Remote work refers to a situation where employees work entirely from a location of their choice, whether that be from home or another location, and do not physically come into the office. This means that all communication and collaboration is done remotely, typically through the use of technology such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and document sharing.

Hybrid work, on the other hand, is a blend of remote and in-person work. It typically involves employees splitting their time between working from home or other remote locations and working from a central office or other physical location. This allows employees to have a level of autonomy and flexibility in terms of where and how they work, while still maintaining some level of in-person collaboration and connection with their colleagues.

 

Is hybrid working popular?

 

The pandemic caused a rapid shift in our lifestyles and forced many to adapt to working remotely. During lockdown, working from home benefited both the employee and their organisation by ensuring work could continue effectively, whilst keeping everybody as safe as possible.

In the short term, hybrid working offered vital reassurance in such uncertain times. Emerging from the pandemic, lockdown changed expectations, with employees quickly noticing the benefits of remote work in maintaining their productivity whilst enabling a flexible lifestyle.

 

Is hybrid working for me?

Hybrid working offers flexibility by combining workplace and remote working. For many remote-capable employees, the traditional (and constraining) nine-to-five working day has transformed and occasionally working from a location away from the office is becoming the norm. Giving more flexibility and freedom to employees, hybrid working intends to sustain productivity in ways that can benefit each employee differently. This combination can improve employee work satisfaction and ultimately the quality of work produced.

When deciding if hybrid work is suitable for you, it is important to consider your schedule and where you feel most productive. Some forms of work will lend themselves better to being at home or in the office. This can depend on the need for face-to-face meetings or video calls, for example. An informal or set working pattern can be established, adapted to suit both the company and the employee.

Despite its advantages, hybrid working isn’t suitable for all industries and is offered at the employer’s discretion. It’s important to be clear on your own expectations as well as a potential employer’s before you accept a job offer.

 

What are the advantages of hybrid working?

Employers’ newfound person-centred approach to work has many advantageous outcomes. The benefits of hybrid working include a better work-life balance, higher motivation, and improved job satisfaction from employees.

• Higher productivity

When working from home, employees are primarily focused on independent work tasks in a quiet space, away from the distractions of the office. Hybrid working, therefore, utilises environments that suit the individual, so employees can use their time effectively. This can enable efficient and productive working in a fast-paced role. It can also promote better collaboration of ideas within the team and improve work relationships through both face-to-face and online communication with co-workers.

• Flexibility

Working full-time from home or in the office could be isolating and distracting. In a hybrid setup, a flexible working schedule boosts morale among employees, improving their work-life balance by allowing them to work in ways most effective for them. This means they are trusted by employers to utilise and manage their independence, which in turn improves productivity and motivation. Employees’ schedules and priorities differ, so hybrid working gives people the opportunity to be flexible around their differing lifestyles, such as doing the school run or going to the gym.

• Time and money saving

Flexible working is beneficial by reducing long commuting journeys and travel expenses for employees. By allowing employees to work from home or other remote locations, hybrid working models can significantly reduce the time and costs associated with commuting. This can not only save employees time, but also help to reduce their stress levels and improve their overall quality of life. Furthermore, with fewer people in the office, there are significantly lower operational costs for employers and less overcrowded office space. Office space can then be utilised for collaborative team projects and relationship building. 

• Increased job opportunities

Flexible work increases the number of job opportunities, reducing the need to decide on a company based on location, commute time, or cost. It can also help companies to attract and retain talent by offering a better work-life balance and flexibility. It can also increase the pool of candidates for a given role by making it more accessible to people who may not have been able to commute to an office on a daily basis, such as those with disabilities or caregiving responsibilities. This gives employers access to a wider talent pool when recruiting, attracting a new generation of workers who are accustomed to flexibility.

 

What does a hybrid work schedule look like?

Employees who need peace and quiet to focus, or those who thrive in an office setting, can be given the choice to work where and when they’re most productive. A hybrid schedule enables individuals to manage their workload in a schedule that suits them best, reducing unwanted stress and preventing burnout. Every individual has a unique way of working, so make sure to find the balance that works for you.

 

How to find the right balance with hybrid working

Hybrid working can be structured in many ways, ranging from working in the office two or three days a week, or even two or three days a month – it’s completely flexible. In a hybrid workplace, employees can utilise their time better by, for example, avoiding commuting at busy times. Time at home helps hybrid workers efficiently drive personal performance while allowing the flexibility to meet other life responsibilities, such as shopping, exercising, or taking children to school. This allows employees to form an effective routine, giving them control over work hours and location.

The advantages of office working can be utilised for those that wish to socialise in the office, improving the company culture by enabling in-person collaboration and teamwork. Office time becomes more valued, and this can help to combat feelings of isolation that may emerge in a fully remote schedule.

Simultaneously, hybrid working aids those who need a silent environment to work with no interruptions. Here, they can focus on tasks without the noises and interruptions of a traditional office environment. It’s worth noting that remote working can sometimes result in overworking and burnout, so it’s vital to take regular breaks and set proper boundaries. It’s important to have a defined space for home working, so if you don’t have a dedicated workspace, hybrid working might not be the best option for you.

 

Top takeaways for hybrid working

All in all, hybrid working offers a great lifestyle that shouldn’t affect productivity, but it’s important to make sure that it’s right for you. Being location flexible, alternating between office and home working, has lots of advantages. It can help you to work more efficiently and maintain a healthy work-life balance, preventing burnout and improving performance. However, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to remote working. Some people work better in the office, while some find it easier to focus at home. Whichever side of the fence you’re on, be reflective and honest with yourself about if remote working really suits you.

If hybrid working is for you, check out our jobs page to find the ideal hybrid role for you in the space sector.