Here’s the drawbacks and advantages of different work models (hybrid, onsite and remote)
The on-site work model involves employees coming into the office five times a week and working 9-5 hours. Naturally, having employees working onsite there can bring a lot to the work environment:
This model is ideal for fostering an environment that values collaboration between colleagues to achieve common goals and tasks. On-site is often the preferred model between companies handling confidential information where factors such as client security can be controlled. However, it might not be the most efficient form of work model.
Employers who use a remote work model provide their staff the freedom to work fully off-site whenever and wherever they choose. Since the pandemic, this strategy has grown in popularity, and organizations are sticking with it after experiencing the positive benefits of employees' outputs. In a recent study by Slack, remote employees were seen to be more satisfied with the work they accomplished (61% of remote workers vs. 53% of office-based employees). Remote models do come with challenges, as it is hard for employees to stay engaged.
The hybrid Work Model is a flexible work arrangement in which employees' workdays are split between days in the office and working from home. Since the big shift from fu on-site work to remote due to the pandemic, data has shown a steady increase in employees favoring a flexible working schedule. In a study by Bloomberg, 40% of employees would consider quitting if their employers were not offering a flexible work model when returning to work. This has been highly significant between younger employees and independent jobs.
Hybrid work policies vary from company to company based on the nature of the work and under which employees are most productive. The four most common models companies are implementing now are hybrid at-will, split week, week-by-week, and designated teamwork models.
Workplace leaders should work closely with their employees to determine the best work model for their company. It could be surveying employees and testing out the preferred model with a small number of teams. Once the model runs smoothly, implement the system throughout the whole company.
Between on-site and remote, the employees' needs are being addressed vary quite a lot. If your company is based on highly collaborative work, deals with confidential information, and works to achieve common tasks, then going back to on-site work is the best option. On the other hand, companies that have many independent jobs and smaller budgets might find remote to be a better fit.
If your company falls in between the two models, consider implementing a hybrid work model to address the needs of all your employees. As discussed, making this model work in your business requires finding the right software for your company that can address your industry's specific challenges. For example, Litespace is an all-in-one platform that offers scheduling and booking to help empower teams to collaborate. We offer hybrid scheduling space management and many other key features. Implementing management software is key to keeping employees connected, organized, and focused on the right things.
Workplace leaders should consult with employees to identify which work model is appropriate for their organization. This can be accomplished by polling and testing the chosen model with several teams or creating a hybrid work model. Management software is critical for keeping people connected, organized, and focused on the correct tasks.
Hassan is the Co-Founder and CPO at Litespace on a mission to help hybrid workers to collaborate more. He has always been passionate about startups and has 5+ years in building products and creating designs. He is thrilled to share lessons learned from building companies' culture.