The hybrid work model has existed for decades but became the norm during the pandemic and post-pandemic world. Today, many employers - especially small business owners - acknowledge the significant benefits of creating hybrid work models, one of which is the significant ability to maintain a frugal bottom line.
According to The Oxford Group:
- A survey conducted by PwC found that 55% of employees would prefer a hybrid model of working post-pandemic.
- A report by McKinsey found that 20-25% of workforces are likely to work remotely between 3-5 days a week post-pandemic.
- A survey conducted by Microsoft found that 70% of employees want flexible remote work options to continue.
- A study by Buffer found that 98% of remote workers would like to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers.
Whether you’re debating implementing a hybrid model or starting a business, it’s wise to consider whether this work model feels right for your business. If so, take good care implementing a hybrid model to ensure you optimize its benefits and employee productivity.
Hybrid Work Model Explained
A traditional work model included a brick-and-mortar business that employees reported to each day. Employees received their schedules, worked on-site for their shifts, and left only during legally required work breaks (typically 15-minute breaks and 30-minute lunches). This model made sense for most companies before the digital age.
However, with the advent of digital technology and the ability to complete comparable work anywhere, hybrid work models began to spring up. The tech sector was one of the first to embrace hybrid models, quickly followed by service-based industries like bookkeeping, medical coding, or customer service call center models.
Today, with widespread internet service, laptops/tablets, and smartphones, many jobs and work tasks can be completed without ever stepping foot in an employer’s brick-and-mortar business. Even so, most employers find that a hybrid model (mixing face time with remote work time) works better than completely remote options.
Benefits Of Hybrid Working Options
There are multiple benefits to utilizing a hybrid work model in the workplace.
Recruit higher-quality employees
Commuting to/from Bay Area workplaces can take roughly an hour to two hours per day, depending on how far employees are willing to drive for higher wages. However, the rising gas prices and an uptick in hybrid work options mean fewer people are ready to make that time commitment each day.
When you offer hybrid work options, you’re able to advertise across a broader employee pool, which gives you access to the highest-quality and best-qualified applicants for the job.
Reduce overhead office expenses
Fewer workers in the office means less square footage required. The ability to scale down office or storefront space saves Bay Area employers thousands of dollars every month. This results in higher profits and the ability to offer better pay and benefits to the people who make your business what it is.
The option to use a virtual service
Virtual services fit comfortably with the hybrid working model. Taking advantage of virtual service providers - like receptionists, administrative assistants, or human resources professionals - you can focus on hiring payrolled employees niched specifically to your brand.
Increased employee satisfaction with a hybrid work model
As the Oxford Group’s research cites, anywhere from 55% to 75% of employees prefer to work for employers offering hybrid work options. This isn’t surprising. Employees working in a hybrid model:
- Have more flexibility about when they do their work.
- Depending on their circadian rhythm, they can do most of their work in the morning, evening, or wee hours.
- Are better able to take care of their family’s needs, which provides a far higher quality of life.
- Save exponentially on fuel costs as well as vehicle expenses related to wear and tear.
- Often reduce the time children spend in daycare (a benefit emotionally and financially).
The more satisfied employees are the lower the employee turnover. This can reap significant savings in the time, energy, and money spent on rehiring processes.
Increased employee efficiency
Many employers find that hybrid employees work more efficiently because they have more control over when and how they work.
How To Create A Sustainable Hybrid Workplace
Here are tips for implementing a sustainable hybrid model at your workplace.
Poll your employees & offer options
First, anonymously poll your team and learn more about their preferences. You can create two or three different hybrid options matching their needs from that information.
Set clear performance expectations
This is essential. There should be clear expectations around:
- Work deadlines.
- Goal setting and benchmarks.
- Communication protocols.
- How work is delivered/shared.
- Transparency expectations.
- Employee availability/response times.
- Etc.
Setting clear performance expectations at the outset keeps everyone on the same page and accountable.
Choose which events, days, or services require in-person time
Many companies have found that certain activities, events, meetings, conversations, or collaborations fare best when people are together in person. An undeniable synergy is created when humans work together, in person, with a united goal. Leverage that energy and make those scenarios a mandatory workplace day.
Utilize positive (and fun) team-building strategies
Lack of employee connection and cohesion is a potential risk of hybrid work models. If there aren’t many tasks or jobs that need an in-person presence, utilize Zoom and take advantage of team-building exercises and games that keep the group feeling connected. Depending on where people live, you can also encourage employer-funded lunches or dinners by region to get regional employees more connected.
Let Zen Resources Help Your Company Go Hybrid
Are you interested in learning more about how your company can go hybrid, combining virtual employees with your brick-and-mortar business or eCommerce store? Contact Zen Resources.
Our team helps by handling the day-to-day necessities of your business or office, allowing you to increase revenue, save more time, and operate at a much higher capacity. We have ideas, innovations, and solutions essential for every business's success.