This approach provides support for both on-site and remote employees, as well as the freedom for employees to switch between the two work types.
Why do businesses opt for a mixed workplace model?
A hybrid workplace simply gives an organization's employees two job options. Employees have the option of reporting to one or more physical offices or working from home or other remote locations. Employees may also choose to work a combination of the two, coming into the office on some days and working elsewhere on others.
- HPE Solutions, Products, or Services Related
- GreenLake HPE
- Digital Workplace Hybrid
How does a hybrid workplace function?
The benefit of a hybrid workplace is that businesses can set their own boundaries for how such an environment will function. One employer may need a specific set of employees to work exclusively on-site, while another may request that many teams vary their schedules and alternate reporting to work on-site and from home. Another option is to have a mostly remote workforce that is only needed to come in for in-person meetings on a regular basis.
Whatever the configuration, the hybrid workplace appears to be here to stay and is projected to remain so for the foreseeable future.
- Topics of Interest
- Continuity of Operations
- Transformation to Digital
- Workplace of the Future
- Desktop Virtualization
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a mixed workplace model?
As more businesses adopt a hybrid workplace model, it is evident that the key concern is how to maintain cooperation and innovation from multiple places at the same time. However, the benefits and drawbacks of hybrid workplace models vary depending on which side of the managerial divide you are on.
Employer Benefits: Transitioning to a hybrid workplace allows firms to restructure current office layouts because fewer employees are present at the same time. According to some, simply moving walls around can be enough to inspire invention. Companies perceive this shift as a chance to recruit talent from far greater distances, which might help them identify the ideal "match" for a specific post. Furthermore, companies consider this new ability to reach further afield for new talent as a great way to diversify their workforce. Finally, businesses are discovering that workers who work remotely appear more content and productive, and they see a hybrid workplace model as a way to retain that spirit in the long run.
Disadvantages: It's difficult to maintain track on staff in the management corner. When management loses sight of critical employees, it loses the potential to keep them engaged. Furthermore, when most employees are absent, workplace culture suffers, especially in organisations that value teamwork. Finally, hybrid work environments create additional strain on company networks, storage, and other technological systems. It takes a large expenditure to upgrade technology to enable 24/7 access from any location.
Employee Benefits: Employees like having control over their own schedules and not being constantly monitored. According to a recent survey, 64% of workers want to spend at least some of their working hours in an office, store, factory, or other form of job. A majority of knowledge workers believe that remote and hybrid work can improve their health, according to another survey.
Disadvantages: At the same time, the opposite is true. For example, 73 percent of workers would like to work in groups rather than alone outside of the office. And many employees are afraid of being isolated and of having their efforts overlooked when it comes to promotion selections. Furthermore, key worries include the issue of everyday distractions interfering with workflow, which can lure employees to not give their task their full focus during office hours. Furthermore, low-income and younger workers sometimes have personal situations that make working from home problematic, such as childcare/eldercare requirements.
