Apple discouraged remote work pre-pandemic and is now facing backlash from its employees for not allowing more flexibility. Extensive data across surveys indicate that most people want hybrid work arrangements — that is, a mix of in-person and remote work — as we continue to move through the pandemic. For example, Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index, a study of over 30,000 people hybrid work from home in 31 countries, found that 73% of respondents desire remote work options. FlexJobs surveyed more than 2,100 people who worked remotely during the pandemic and found that 58% would leave their jobs if they weren’t able to continue working from home at least some of the time. Offering a co-working option is a natural fit for full remote teams and the remote-first hybrid model.

Remote work also saves people tons of time they’d spend on the road commuting — often an hour or more in major urban centers — and lowers their stress level. Less stressed people are obviously happier and do their jobs more effectively. According to FlexJobs, an employment platform for remote workers, remote workers can save around $4,000 per year. That includes vehicle maintenance costs, parking fees, meals bought instead of made, and so on. Approaching remote work with a hybrid model comes with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages.

What are the types of hybrid work models?

Unlike in the partly remote model where entire teams are either office- or remote-based, in this model, employees from the same teams (and of the same status) can strongly favor one or the other option. Companies that operate on this model believe that if employees have the autonomy to choose where they’ll work from, they’ll be happier and more productive. Their office spaces are usually based on hot-desking, i.e. no one has a designated workspace, and everyone can use any desk available. Office-first or office-based hybrid model requires employees to come to the office most of the time while allowing them to work remotely (usually from home) a fraction of their working time. There are many variants of remote and hybrid work models, and each company can customize the concept according to their preferences and needs.

This way, they don’t have to take a day off or a sick day if they can still work but are unable to come to the office. Employees are usually given a day or two per week or several days per month for remote work. In other organizations, these remote days are granted on a case-by-case basis, depending on who needs to be at the office at what time. Although hybrid work is not without its challenges — e.g. achieving optimal communication between remote and in-office employees — there’s no doubt it’s the hottest workplace trend, and it’s just gaining traction. There are several other types of hybrid work models depending on the needs of specific organizations and individual teams within them.

Is there a difference between hybrid work and working from home?

Accountability is incredibly important in fostering an effective hybrid working culture and driving productivity for your company. When leaders are disconnected from their team this can be harder to enforce.There are always going to be difficult times for everyone, and in those circumstances, you are going to want to be empathetic and supportive. A company that already has a sizable office can set up workflows for remote workers, and build their remote presence right away.

You’ll still find a reprieve from the daily hustle and bustle and be able to get out a bit. For others, it’s about lowering anxiety by not joining in the ironically labeled rush hour every day. Cutting down on time spent commuting can offer a much-needed calm to your week. There’s never been a more critical time to find out how your employees are feeling.

Flexible hybrid model

Therefore, building a culture based on inclusivity, empathy, and trust will be one of the most important aspects of hybrid work. Are you in charge of school drop-off, or do you love your Monday morning spin class? Whether your reason is personal, environmental, or both, there are important considerations to ponder before jumping into the first hybrid role you see. There are a variety of personal benefits an employee may be pursuing with a partially remote role.