Does Hybrid Work Look The Same In All Businesses?
Ever since 2020, a large shift has occurred in the way a great part of the business world works. Even if your company has returned to its pre-pandemic office routine, some leftover policies remind us that the effects of work-from-home (WFH) are longer-lasting than we initially believed. Specifically, some businesses may still be operating primarily on a WFH basis, while others may require office presence three or four times per week. There is no fixed way to do this, as you can choose from numerous hybrid work models based on what works better for your business. Let’s explore 9 of the most common ones.
9 Hybrid Work Models To Choose From
1. Remote-First Model
This model has been particularly popular since the pandemic, and it involves employees working from home most days and only visiting the office a few times per month, either for a client meeting, intraorganizational meeting, or a team-building event. It is best for companies that have a widespread workforce that doesn’t need to work in close proximity to each other.
Pros
- Greater flexibility for employees
- Enhanced employee productivity
- Reduced office space costs
- Access to a broader talent pool
Cons
- Potential feelings of isolation
- Impact collaboration and communication among employees
- Increased odds of employee burnout and disengagement
2. Office-First Model
This is the opposite of the previous hybrid work model and the one that most resembles pre-pandemic days. Companies that operate with an office-first model prioritize their employees’ physical presence in the office and only view remote work as a perk that is implemented a few times a month or when necessary. This model is used by businesses where in-person collaboration is vital or when their infrastructure cannot be accessed remotely.
ProsÂ
- Improved collaboration and communication
- Company culture is better maintained
- Straightforward team management
Cons
- Increased operational costs
- Employees use more sick days and PTO
- Limited flexibility and employee dissatisfaction
3. Split-Week Hybrid Model
Here, employees split their week between the office and their homes. This can mean something different for each company, e.g., three days in the office and two at home, two days in the office and three at home, Mondays and Fridays at home and the rest of the week in the office, etc. These schedules are built based on employee feedback and organizational needs and ensure the optimal level of flexibility for smooth operation and employee satisfaction.
Pros
- Increased structure and stability for employees
- Room for experimentation and improvement
- Helps with overcrowded office spaces
- Improved flexibility depending on personal and organizational needs
Cons
- Scheduling challenges
- Requires careful planning to coordinate teams that collaborate to be in the office on the same days
4. Week-By-Week Model
If you need more freedom regarding your hybrid work model, you can plan it weekly. Specifically, the leader can determine which department should spend the next week working remotely or on-site based on current projects. This way, employees who need a quiet environment can work from home, while those who must collaborate with their colleagues can come into the office.
Pros
- Balance between remote and on-site work
- Increased employee satisfaction
- Ability to downsize office spaces by alternating on-site employees
- Improved planning
Cons
- Requires careful planning and coordination
- On-site weeks may be disruptive for some roles
- Doesn’t accommodate impromptu meetings
5. Role-Based Hybrid Work Model
In this case, even more focus is placed on each role and discovering which work setting is more beneficial to their specific tasks. For example, IT teams can be perfectly productive working primarily remotely, while product development teams that need to work in close collaboration with their team members may spend more time in the office.
Pros
- Customizability for the specific needs of each department
- Efficient use of office space
- Acceptance of each employee’s preferred work model
- Enhanced productivity and collaboration
Cons
- Communication breakdowns between on-site and remote employees
- Challenges in coordinating meetings
- Management becomes more complex
6. Fixed Hybrid Work Model
To minimize scheduling and coordination efforts, you can implement a fixed schedule. This involves establishing a standard work model that all employees can adjust as they see fit. Specifically, you must clarify which days of the month employees are required to come into the office (e.g., every Tuesday and Thursday or on the first and last day of the month). Employees can choose where to work from the remaining days. This approach requires businesses to have sufficient office space to accommodate all employees simultaneously.
Pros
- Promotes interdepartmental collaboration and communication
- Gives employees a routine they can count on
- Facilitates the coordination and scheduling of meetings
- Simplifies work schedule planning
Cons
- Reduced flexibility compared to other hybrid work models
- Commute challenges and operational costs remain
- Potential overcrowding if the office has limited capacity
7. On-Demand Model
This is the so-called “choose-your-own-adventure” hybrid model, as it offers the highest level of autonomy. Employees are completely free to decide when and where they want to work. For example, when they need to focus on a project, they can work remotely from any location, and when they need to work with their colleagues, they can arrange to work in the office.
Pros
- Ultimate level of flexibility for employees
- Improved satisfaction, productivity, morale, and work-life balance
- Fosters a trusting relationship between employee and employer
- Drives innovation by offering access to a broader talent pool
Cons
- Challenges in coordinating meetings for in-person collaboration
- Management becomes more complicated
- Difficulties in gauging the engagement of each employee
8. Asynchronous Work Schedule
Some businesses have such a diverse workforce, making it imperative they allow their employees to work at different hours throughout the day. This might happen because they or their clients are in different time zones and therefore have to adjust their schedule. Moreover, some employees may be more productive in the evening rather than in the morning. By allowing employees to work during their most productive window, businesses can achieve optimized productivity.
Pros
- Easier to attract talented candidates from around the world
- Increased autonomy for employees, leading to higher satisfaction
- Uninterrupted work, as not many colleagues are working at the same time
Cons
- Communication between employees and departments may be delayed
- Collaborating on different schedules may be difficult
- Employees working drastically different hours from their colleagues may feel isolated
9. Core Office Hours Model
This hybrid work model can be combined with the asynchronous work schedule we just discussed. Specifically, employees are given a specific window of time each day (for example, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) during which they must either be in the office or available for meetings, emails, collaboration, etc. The remaining work hours of the day can be completed before or after these core hours or later in the day without location restrictions.
Pros
- Employees can easily collaborate and enjoy the flexibility of remote work
- The availability of each employee is visible and predictable
- Supports diverse lifestyles and personal responsibilities without compromising productivity and collaboration
Cons
- Not suitable for employees in drastically different time zones
- The limited number of core hours may lead to an intense workload
- Partial flexibility that may not accommodate the familial and personal responsibilities of some employees
Conclusion
Hybrid work comes in many shapes and sizes, making it possible for most businesses to offer their employees a certain amount of flexibility and work-life balance. Diversity in work schedule options allows employees to balance their personal lives with their professional responsibilities, motivating them to perform at a satisfactory level while maintaining a high level of engagement and morale. Take the time to explore the different types of hybrid work models we discussed in this article and select the model, or combination of models, that will keep your workforce as happy and productive as possible.