Remote Work and Hybrid Models: Navigating the New Normal of Work

COVID-19 has changed how we work due to the various remote and hybrid setups adopted as new norms by many organisations and businesses. In the UK alone, this has led to a shift in traditional office-based work and has raised important questions about the future of work.

What is remote work?

Remote work means being able to do one’s job outside the conventional office setup. This may be working from home, at a coworking space, or any other place where an employee feels comfortable working. Remote work, which has lately become increasingly popular, is driven by technological advances and changing employee preferences.

What is a hybrid model?

A hybrid model refers to the combination of remote and office-based work setups. This model enables staff to work from their homes or other places for some days of the week and report at the workplace on the remaining ones. The essence of a hybrid model is that it allows workers to have some benefits enjoyed by people working remotely such as flexibility and autonomy which come with it but also can experience face-to-face collaboration and interaction with colleagues.

The benefits of remote work and hybrid models

Several benefits come with remote working or using a hybrid model such as:

Increased flexibility: More flexible hours enable workers to balance their personal affairs well through employing distant working or hybrid models.

Improved work-life balance: These work models help reduce the needed time for commuting. This reduces stress levels leading to a balanced life between family duties and job responsibilities.

Access to a wider talent pool: Remote working/hybrid models will allow businesses to access a larger number of skilled workforce despite geographical locations.

Increased productivity: By getting rid of distractions, these kinds of employment boost efficiency as they allow employees to operate from places that offer maximum productivity environments for them.

Improved job satisfaction: You can increase your job satisfaction level by either adopting remote working or choosing a hybrid model so that you have more control over the environment within which you accomplish your professional tasks

The challenges of remote work and hybrid models

Despite its many benefits, remote work and hybrid models also have their difficulties to deal with which include;

Lack of face-to-face interaction: Remote work and hybrid models do not provide face-to-face interaction among employees which negatively affects team dynamics and collaboration.

Difficulty staying connected: Remote work and hybrid models make it hard for some workers to connect with others as they feel isolated.

Difficulty separating work and personal life: Working in an office does not provide the needed separation between an employee’s professional life and private life. This increases stress levels leading to burnout.

Technical challenges: Remote work and hybrid models also pose technical problems such as network outages, and slow internet speeds among others.

How to overcome the challenges of remote work and hybrid models

The challenges associated with remote work and hybrid models can be mitigated through various mechanisms including:

Prioritising face-to-face interaction: Team dynamics plus collaboration can be maintained by ensuring regular video calls or meetings.

Establishing clear communication: Make sure that there is enough time for employees within organisations to communicate on a daily basis. This will keep them updated about everything happening around them.

Creating boundaries: Setting concrete lines between personal life and business alleviates stress thus promoting balance between the two aspects.

Investing in technology: Technology acquisition has been recommended as an effective way to address technical glitches brought about by remote working among others.