What is Hybrid Work and Are You Willing to Do It?
The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly changed many employees’ working conditions from a strictly in-person experience to one that included some or all remote work. A work arrangement that includes both remote and in-person work is considered hybrid work.
A recent Gallup survey showed that 60% of employees said they prefer a hybrid work schedule. Some of the reasons for this include child care needs, being able to work when you’re most productive, and a better work-life balance.
Types of Hybrid Work
There are almost as many types of hybrid work arrangements as there are workers, and each company has its own rules and requirements to define the arrangement. Here are a few of the most common hybrid work models:
- Employees can work from home unless they have meetings with clients or an in-person staff or team meeting is called.
- Employees have a set schedule of when they work from home and when they need to be in the office.
- Employees submit their schedule requests for when they come into the office and when they don’t.
- Employees have set hours they must work either from home or in the office.
- Employees have a flexible schedule and can work when it’s best for them, except for meetings.
Each employer has their own needs and priorities, which will help to determine the type of arrangement they decide to adopt. If you are offered a hybrid work arrangement, you should find out what exactly it entails and how the employer defines hybrid work.
How Often are Hybrid Employees Onsite?
New data from Gallup shows variety in the number of days hybrid workers spend in the office.
- 29% 1 day or less
- 17% 2 days
- 24% 3 days
- 30% 4 or more days
These numbers have been more or less stable since the end of 2023, and most workers expect their current hybrid arrangement to continue long-term.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Work
| Pros | Cons |
| Improved work-life balance | Limited access to work resources/equipment |
| More efficient use of time | Feeling less connected to company culture |
| Less burnout/fatigue | Decreased team collaboration |
| Freedom to choose when/where you work | Impaired working relationships with colleagues |
| Higher productivity | Reduced communication and collaboration |
Now that you have an understanding of what hybrid work is, you need to consider whether these arrangements could work for you. Most workers have experienced the benefits of working from home. But is remote work always a positive arrangement?
When remote work is done well, it can be effective and save employees a lot of time commuting and sitting in meetings. Workers can achieve a greater work-life balance while still accomplishing their goals and contributing to their employer. It can also benefit the employer by saving money on office space and all the fixed costs that go along with physical locations.
For working parents it’s important to understand that hybrid work is not a panacea and will not typically eliminate the need for childcare and other services. However, the flexibility of hybrid work can alleviate some of the pressures many working parents face.
At the same time, hybrid work can sometimes work better for these situations since you will be going into the office for meetings and other activities that will be less child-friendly.
Working at home can also help to relieve stress since most people are more relaxed and comfortable at home. For workers who can keep clear boundaries between their work and home life, it can be an ideal situation that offers the best of both worlds. Will hybrid work be a good fit for you? GDH can help you figure out your priorities and match you with employers that need your talent.
