It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed our lives. While the effect on domestic lives has been clear, the changes in work practices have been more visible. Just as students had to accept online classes, adults had to give in to remote work. Now, “WFH” is not a strange term for anyone. Once rare, work-from-home is now all too familiar to all.
As people across the world were forced to isolate themselves inside their homes, global work patterns evolved. Usually, such changes are gradual. As more and more societies go digital, they keep exploring easier ways of doing things. The pandemic, however, sped things up. The struggles of the virus aside, many will credit this time in history for the fast progress in workplace technology.
The logic is sound. After all, every average American with a cox cable connection has quickly learned to use the internet to do everyday tasks. From buying grocery supplies to attending important seminars, everything is possible online. This is why many people are now unwilling to let go of pandemic-era practices. The hybrid workforce model is one of the primary examples of this.
The Hybrid Workforce Model
The hybrid workforce model offers a cross between work-from-office and work-from-home. Therefore, it involves having a limited amount of people at the physical workplace. For example, some companies only require the senior management to be present in the office.
As COVID-19 restrictions around the world eased, offices and organizations adopted this model of work. Using this, they could easily follow social distancing guidelines and keep their staff safe. Yet, it is likely that many companies will keep holding onto this model. This is because the hybrid workforce model has proven itself to have many benefits, for both employees and workplaces. Here are some of them.
It Increases Productivity
The comfort of one’s home can never be found in an office. During WFH, many employees discovered flexible methods of working. While some realized that they enjoy working outdoors, others embraced the comfort of their beds. Either way, most employees were able to pick their preferred method of working. Hence, remote work makes employees feel in control. Without restrictions, they can easily complete their work as they see fit. This means they feel more productive and complete work with ease.
Also, WFH takes away a lot of extra chores that come with office work. For example, dressing up and traveling. This way, people save a lot of time. Hence, they complete more work in lesser time.
It Saves Overhead Costs
With a limited number of employees working from the office premises, employers save a lot of costs. For instance, they need to use fewer resources—like electricity—in the office. Also, they can cut down on office supplies, furniture, and computers. Moreover, a hybrid work model allows organizations to operate from smaller offices. Hence, they reduce expenses like rent.
It Improves Communication
Good communication is the backbone of a hybrid workforce model. This is because all workers must collaborate with each other across distances. Hence, offices with a hybrid workforce model tend to invest in effective communication strategies. For example, they maintain online discussion forums and chat rooms. Similarly, they conduct regular meetings through calls or video conferences.
By working alongside each other remotely, workers learn the value of effective communication. Also, a hybrid workforce model opens up lots of opportunities to collaborate. For instance, people from different places around the world can work together easily.
It Removes Barriers to Access
A very important lesson people gained during the pandemic was that everything can be done online. Whether they want a consultation with a doctor or want to sit an exam, they can do it remotely. Therefore, organizations can make everything accessible to all if they choose to.
So, people with disabilities or mobility issues can also participate in work. Similarly, those who are unable to travel for any reason can simply log online to attend a seminar or workshop. This means that people who are usually on the sidelines in different fields get a chance to try new things. Whether someone is too old, sick, or occupied with duties at home, they can do remote work. Hence, they have a chance to learn to skills and earn an income.
