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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, many organisations have resorted to working remotely or using a combination of both (remote/hybrid models). These new ways of doing things are effective, flexible, and cost-saving. In fact, engaging staff in a remote setup has proved to be just as effective as those who have worked face-to-face in an office. With this, some firms are now considering implementing this approach permanently. Moreover, this form of employment offers advantages where employees can work from home and come to the office when it necessitates team cooperation or face-to-face interaction with colleagues.
However, remote and hybrid working models have also posed challenges concerning digital literacy, a conducive environment for communication, and the mental health of the employees. Enterprises must address these problems so that they can create an ideal working atmosphere for both employees and the organisation.
To conclude, both remote work and hybrid models will continue to prosper and companies must learn to accept and adapt to them if they want to remain relevant in the post-COVID-19 era. With proper tools, support system, and policies in place, remote work and hybrid models can bring several advantages both for employees and organisations which could eventually increase overall productivity at workplaces as well as satisfaction levels ultimately leading towards enhanced well-being.