'The measure of intelligence is the ability to change' -Albert Einstein

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been experiencing many changes. According to the employer's perspective, the shift from the office to working from home, and now to hybrid work model have impacted the work-life balance and productivity of the employees.

As we say, there are always two sides to the coin, and there are certainly benefits and challenges.

Work from Home Model

Benefits

In the Indian context, wherein we observe the shift from routine office work to WFH or hybrid work, different cultural and behavioral changes are seen in employees, families, and employers. 

WFH or hybrid work models have benefits like happy and engaged employees, which will help employer branding and increase productivity with work flexibility irrespective of the place and time. 

Challenges 

But at the same time, we are observing an increase in employee burnout due to excess workload and unplanned work management.

According to a recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), 78% of organizations embrace hybrid working models, with only 13% of businesses stating that working from home isn't suitable for their sector. Though there are benefits like employer branding, which helps attract talent, on the other hand, many employers feel the challenges of collaborating with remote employees, increasing dissatisfaction and sometimes the feeling of working in silos.

Hybrid Work Model

The hybrid model may be the way between the WFH and WFO. The hybrid work model decreases the operational costs for the companies, and also is a solution for employees who prefer the WFH model, . There are many incidents wherein employees refuse to join the work office, and then companies had to take legal action, which also questions employee employers' relationship.

But due to the nature of work of certain sectors like, manufacturing, retail, and services, companies cannot fit the WFH or Hybrid work model. This will impact the zeal of employees to work for the IT industry, wherein we have flexible work hours and other benefits. This will add challenges for recruiting the right talent at the right cost for the companies who prefer to have an entire WFO. 

With the increasing trend of the hybrid model, there is the change of having efficient and vibrant workplaces, which results in team bonding, and employee connection. There is certainly an analysis of WFH vs. WFO, which will demand more productivity, resulting in a growing economy and engaged employees.

This article was contributed by our expert Rahul Bhoite  

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Rahul Bhoite

Q1. What types of businesses stand to benefit from a hybrid workplace?

Companies like Google, Ford, and Hubspot. Employees working in research and development departments that need to access specialized tools in the office and those whose work requires an internet-connected device can easily do their jobs in a hybrid work environment.

Q2. How can Hybrids improve productivity in the workplace?

Improved work-life balance, more efficient time management, control over work hours and work location, burnout mitigation, and higher productivity.

Q3. What are your top concerns about the hybrid working model?

Poor communication, less connection with the team, lack of collaboration. 

Q4. What are the most common hybrid work models?

Flexible hybrid work model, Fixed hybrid work model, Office - first hybrid work model, Remote - first hybrid work model.