In the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic, our workspaces have changed forever. With remote working becoming the norm, many businesses seek to implement effective structures and processes that facilitate hybrid working. Hybrid working involves a mixture of working at home and within the office. Hybrid working is becoming the ‘new normal’ for businesses and requires careful attention to factors such as access, collaboration, and hardware. As a leading business expert, I have noted three key advantages that will convince any business in doubt to make this leap to the new hybrid working model. This new model is characterized by inclusion, diversity, and innovation.
1. Improved employee satisfaction
Most employees prefer the ‘hybrid working’ model, enabling them to balance their home/work life with greater ease and relaxation. With childcare prices and season tickets for public transport rising steadily, the hybrid model particularly suits anyone seeking more of those precious moments of being at home with kids. In addition, employees now feel engaged in designing their workspace at home, choosing an environment that supports their growth while avoiding distractions or triggers for stress and anxiety.
With employees feeling supported in their work/life balance, they tend to be motivated to a greater extent and care more about working towards company goals and ambitions. Motivated employees lead to better business outcomes. Happier employees equal happier customers. With hybrid working, employee retention has been shown to increase, so long-term employees are able to remain with the company and train new and upcoming staff. In a 2020 SurveyMonkey study, employees who worked remotely reported feeling happier than their colleagues who remained working in the office.
The hybrid workspace is sparking a revolution that starts from the ground up, with employees at the forefront and center. With unnecessary meetings scrapped, employees working from home tend to be more productive and see the ‘bigger picture,’ refraining from the office distractions that often mar and stifle creativity and productivity.
2. Decreased cost
Another distinct advantage for hybrid working is reducing costs surrounding a range of factors related to office working. According to Global Workplace Analytics, a typical company can save around $11,000 per year for every employee who works from home at least some of the time.
Savings are made for businesses by cutting down on rent for office spaces and conference rooms. Subsequently, savings can be used to better services or offer bonuses to employees, thereby increasing staff morale further. Further decreased costs result from less electric usage within the office building and repairs for office appliances.
3. Access to more talent
With a hybrid working model in space, companies have access to an increased pool of talent to hire. Previously, recruitment was restricted very much by location as a talent who may have lived further afield would have had to travel to an interview, relocate and go through the processes of moving locations. This inevitably led to a much narrower pool of applicants for jobs within companies. With a hybrid working model, employees from around the country can apply for most jobs as long they have internet access at home and the enthusiasm to hit the ground running. There is a new term that many companies are using: the ‘remote workforce,’ employees who may live hundreds of miles away but still contribute to their job from their home office.
However, a ‘remote workforce’ requires a company that leverages technology to offer new employees support, training, and guidance as they learn the ropes of their new role. The ‘remote workforce’ tends to be more inclusive, diverse, and productive as employers look truly for candidates who can offer the company value instead of appearance, social skills, or ‘office personality.’ The hybrid workspace is inclusive and gives employees the chance to model their work environment so that they find it intellectually enriching and socially comfortable.
Conclusion
Hybrid working models are here to stay, with increased efficiency across all levels of businesses. This new business approach to working has led to the most significant change in employment since the industrial revolution. As a property manager at Vodafone, I have seen this new model grow with momentum and am confident of its continual growth and regeneration in years to come. I am also offering my expertise as a leading business thought leader. My positions at global organizations such as Vodafone have served me well in offering guidance and advice for companies seeking to better their services, employees, and profit through a renewed and regenerated working model.
