Our Guide to Hybrid Working

​Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, companies have experienced and experimented with several ways of working. Despite the challenges that came with the pandemic, many individuals have advocated the benefits of remote working, with many wanting to continue this going forward. As a result, many employers are now offering the option of hybrid working in the future, given its benefits. Other organizations have recalled most staff back into the office, while others still consider whether it can work for their organizations. 

What is hybrid working?

​Hybrid working is a type of flexible working that has been used within many organisations throughout Covid-19. It’s a type of flexible working where an employee can split their hours between the workplace and working remotely.
Hybrid working tends to include more freedom around when employees work as well as where. It provides them with more autonomy on how their work can fit around the rest of their lives, rather than fitting their lives around work. It’s given employees the best of both worlds, with structure and sociability on one side, independence and flexibility on the other. 

​What employee needs are to be met?

When considering hybrid working, you need to assess a few needs of your employees before rolling out this new way of working. The main one is their roles and any reasonable adjustments that need to be made to make hybrid working possible. For example, are there specific duties of their role which will need to be carried out in the workplace? If it can be done remotely, are there certain pieces of technology that can help improve communication?

Another essential thing to consider is the home working environment. Employers could offer workstation assessments and equipment to ensure a healthy workstation at home for employees who are happy and able to work from home. There are plenty of options with office furniture Essex that can provide employees with suitable desks, chairs, and storage for working from.

There may be other flexible working needs to be considered for hybrid working. For example, whether employees have caring responsibilities. In some situations, it may be beneficial for employers to offer flexible working patterns as well. 

Why might employers consider hybrid working? ​

Hybrid working has been shown to balance the benefit of remote working and working in the office. For example, many parents have remotely during the pandemic, saving them money by not commuting and providing them more time with their children. However, some individuals still value the in-person collaboration of working with others at the office. Therefore, hybrid working offers a solution where parents can work some days at home and some days in the office during the week.
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Consequently, hybrid working has been shown to offer plenty of benefits for employees. These include:

• Better work-life balance
• Increased productivity and job satisfaction
• Greater ability to focus with fewer distractions
• More time with friends and family
• Saved money by not commuting
• Improved trust and working relationships
• Attracting a more diverse workforce

Hybrid working provides organizations opportunities for workplace improvement, reducing facilities costs, improving employee wellbeing, and supporting inclusivity and diversity. It’s clear why hybrid working is considered the future.