What is a Hybrid Working Model? A Guide for HR Leaders

What is a hybrid working model?

The hybrid working model is a work style that enables employees to blend working from different locations: home, on the go, or in the office. This approach allows employees to work in a way that suits their needs, enabling them to achieve greater autonomy, flexibility, high performance, collaboration, positive work relationships, and effective work habits.

Variations of the hybrid working model

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hybrid working models, and companies worldwide have developed various hybrid models to fit their businesses' needs and people. Here are some of the most popular hybrid working models companies use today:

• Remote-first. In a remote-first hybrid model, people work from home, may live in different US states (or countries around the world), and hardly ever come into an office. Digital communications are the default in remote-first workplaces as people rarely see each other in person. Companies with remote-first work models may have workforces spread across different countries. They may hold annual, in-person events to promote team building and strong connections across their dispersed workforce.

• Split-week. Companies that prefer to work on-site but want to provide people with flexibility may opt for the split-week hybrid model. With this model, companies require people to work on-site at least part of the week and from home for the rest of the week, e.g., two days at the office and three days from home.

• Office-first. While the office-first hybrid model provides some flexibility, the majority of work is expected to be done from the office.

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Why should HR leaders care about the hybrid work model?

HR leaders can help their people establish a system that suits their needs and personality type. The freedom to choose their desired work style can invigorate today's professionals, increasing retention, engagement, and productivity. By adopting the hybrid working model, companies can provide employees with a flexible work schedule to achieve greater autonomy, flexibility, high performance, collaboration, positive work relationships, and practical work habits.

Useful Read:Flexible Working Definition & Types

Advantages vs. disadvantages of the hybrid working model:

Before adopting a permanent hybrid working model, it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• Employees will have more control over their work schedule and be able to make adjustments as needed.
• The improved work-life balance will allow parents and caregivers to return to work more efficiently.
• Companies can recruit skilled individuals from any part of the world as physical presence near the office is no longer necessary.
• Due to the increasing prevalence of remote work, numerous organizations have reduced their office spaces to cut down on office expenses.
• The combination of remote and on-site work encourages flexibility and effective communication among coworkers, fostering a work culture focused on collaborating and sharing ideas.
• It motivates management to have clear and proactive leadership.

Disadvantages:

• The training provided for new employees and those new to the workforce may be ineffective.
• Working remotely may lead to inequalities in career advancement compared to those who work in the office.
• Keeping the employee experience and company culture consistent throughout an organization may be difficult.
• The organization is increasingly relying on technology as a means of promoting collaboration among individuals.
• Keeping a positive and cohesive company culture when communicating digitally is not easy.
• The hybrid work model may not be feasible for certain industries.

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Tips for implementing a hybrid work model

Implementing a hybrid work model that fosters productivity, engagement, and effective collaboration among team members working from different locations can be challenging. To help HR leaders implement this model successfully, here are some tips:

1) Gather input from your team

Before committing to a specific hybrid work model, survey your team to understand what environments spark productivity and how they envision utilizing different spaces.

2) Develop a hybrid work policy

Create a policy that caters to the responses you receive from your team, and make sure it aligns with your business's and workforce's needs.

3) Adapt your office environment

Adapt your office to meet the needs of a modern workforce. This could include creating small, quiet spaces for video conferences and larger meeting spaces for in-person team meetings.

4) Schedule regular feedback meetings

Frequent one-on-one meetings between managers and team members and managers and HR can help you stay connected and understand the evolving needs of your workforce, ensuring that everyone feels heard.

5) Facilitate virtual Interactive collaboration

Use "social media style" collaboration tools to enable people to make announcements, recognize co-workers for excellent work performances, and survey team members on important matters. Video conferencing is also essential to remote and hybrid collaboration, allowing people to benefit from seeing each other face-to-face.

6) Encourage relationship-building

Encourage team members to spend time together on video chats or meet up for coffee if they live nearby. Hobby groups and virtual clubs can also help nurture relationships and build common interests.

7) Provide equal benefits for remote workers

Ensure team members working remotely receive the same benefits as on-site colleagues. This will help show them they have valued team members and boost employee morale.

Real-world examples of successful hybrid work models

Hybrid work models have become increasingly popular among companies. Here are some examples of companies that have implemented hybrid work models successfully.

Shopify: remote-first working model

Shopify has adopted a remote-first working model called "digital by default." The company allows employees to work from anywhere they want as long as they log in during standard work hours. Additionally, the company has an office where employees can work if they prefer an office environment.

Quora: remote-first hybrid policy

Quora has also adopted a remote-first hybrid policy. However, the company requires employees to check in at the office at least once per month. This approach allows employees to work remotely while maintaining some in-person interaction.

Apple: office-first hybrid model

Apple has adopted an office-first hybrid model, which requires employees to work from the office at least three days per week. While employees are allowed to work from home two days a week, the company emphasizes in-person collaboration more.

Microsoft: firm hybrid work policy

Microsoft has a firm hybrid work policy that allows employees to work remotely up to 50 percent of the time. However, each team member must agree on a schedule with their manager. This approach provides a balance between remote work and in-person collaboration.

Bank of America: flexible hybrid work policy

Bank of America's hybrid work policy requires employees to work on-site at least three days per week. However, the policy also allows for flexible schedules for some teams, while senior-level managers and finance teams will work from the office. This approach provides flexibility for employees while maintaining a level of in-person collaboration.

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Benefits of hybrid work model on company culture

The hybrid work model offers employees more flexibility, free time, autonomy, and a better work-life balance. As companies evolve to adopt this model, they can shape a fluid and dynamic work culture that prioritizes employee needs.

One significant advantage of hybrid work is the improved company culture that provides employees more autonomy and flexibility in their work schedules. This approach leads to greater employee satisfaction and work-life balance, which, in turn, boosts employee engagement and productivity.

With the hybrid work model, companies can promote adaptability and communication by enabling employees to work from different locations and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to work effectively. This creates a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Moreover, the hybrid work model can help companies attract and retain top talent by offering employees the flexibility and work-life balance they crave. When hiring, companies are no longer limited by location, which can also lead to improved diversity and inclusion.

In a nutshell, the hybrid work model provides a win-win situation for both employers and employees. Companies can benefit from a more engaged, productive, and diverse workforce, while employees can enjoy greater flexibility and work-life balance. Overall, it can lead to a positive shift in company culture, creating a more people-centric work environment.

HR Tech Solutions for Successful Hybrid Work Model Implementation

HR technology can be essential for companies implementing a hybrid work model. Here are some ways HR tech can help:

• Communication and Collaboration Tools: HR tech provides video conferencing, messaging platforms, and project management software to facilitate communication and collaboration between remote and in-office employees.

• Performance Management Software: HR tech offers performance management software that allows managers to track and evaluate employee performance, even when employees work from different locations.

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• Onboarding Automation: HR tech can automate the onboarding process for new hires, making it easier to onboard remote employees and ensure they have access to the necessary tools and resources to succeed.

• Benefits Administration: HR tech can help companies manage employee benefits for remote and in-office employees, ensuring everyone has access to the same benefits.

By leveraging HR technology, companies can efficiently manage their hybrid work model, improve communication and collaboration, and ensure that employees have the necessary resources to be productive and successful, regardless of location.

Conclusion

The hybrid work model is becoming increasingly popular among companies of all sizes and industries. Companies can improve employee satisfaction and work-life balance by offering employees more flexibility and autonomy over their work schedule, increasing engagement and productivity.

Implementing a successful hybrid work model requires careful planning and the right tools and resources. HR leaders can help their companies succeed by asking employees what works best for them and leveraging HR tech solutions to streamline communication, collaboration, onboarding, and benefits administration. By doing so, companies can create a culture of collaboration and innovation across different locations and attract and retain top talent.