January 6, 2022
Many folks have learned to adapt in the new “Normal” of work. Hybrid jobs have been touted as the best way to handle your work life to ensure maximum flexibility. Please remember that Hybrid work is not remote work. It is more complicated to pull off as the worker must navigate the switch between their office for a certain number of hours a week and must also find a way to work from home or another place for part of their work week. This blog examines the cons and pros of hybrid work.
Cons for Hybrid Work
Hybrid Work is not for Everyone
The need for some workers to be in the office is evident when looking at goals attained and levels of customer service for some businesses. For a variety of reasons some people are better off if they work in an office environment. Some crave and need the support an office provides. For others’ collaboration and comradery is a very important part of their work experience. The office environment for some helps them to define the balance between work and life. When working with other teammates workers know it is easier to connect if they are right in the office with them. It can be frustrating to try to catch up with someone who is working different hours from home.
Hybrid Workplaces Stunt Opportunities for Promotions
Working remotely or in a hybrid setting can sometimes cause workers to feel like they are overlooked when it comes time for promotions or bonuses. Workers need to be over the top to get noticed and recognized in this type of work situation. It is more difficult for an employer to evaluate your team work, communication and organizational skills and your interpersonal skills if they never see the process of your work.
Communicating in Real Time is Difficult
When working in a hybrid setting it can be difficult to communicate with your team workers especially if they are all working at different paces and on varying schedules. Sharing progress about new projects and ongoing work can be difficult too. Employees may find it a challenge to adapt to new work expectations and routines. Mentoring younger workers is difficult to do when they are not in the office with more senior workers. This is a valuable way to ensure that new talent is well versed in company culture and innovations. The communications skills that break down between senior and junior workers is an asset your company will have to work extra hard with to rectify.
Over Dependence on Technology and Difficulty Overseeing Workers
Hybrid work can become easy when a worker has access to technology and new applications. But the reality is that the ability to access technologies can be very different from home. With remote work comes a lack of oversight. Managers must really up their game to be available to guide and oversee their workers. Developing good habits and helping workers to understand expectations can be challenging too.
Distractions are Rampant When Workers Go Hybrid
Workers who are used to sitting at their desk and working in a traditional manner can be easily distracted and may have difficulty staying on task when working in a hybrid setting. Businesses should work to help individuals to adapt to this new way of working. This becomes a new “job” for someone at the company and the powers that be must ensure that this is done.
Pros For Hybrid Work
When is Hybrid Work a Great Thing?
Improved employee well-being and trust from their employers when working in a hybrid model tops the reasons why this work model is so popular. The improvements that this feeling brings to a worker’s work-life balance is immense. Hybrid workers are generally happier and more productive when working this way. Hybrid workers love the savings they realize when they no longer need to spend money commuting or buying lunches. That’s like getting a tax-free raise and is a tangible increase to your disposable income.
Expanding Your Horizons for Job Opportunities
When you can work in a hybrid model you can cast your job hunting net over a wider geographic area when you are looking for a new job. You could work for a top tier company that is a two hour drive from your home if you only have to commute into the office once a week or less.
Improved Productivity and Efficiency is Evident in a Hybrid Environment
Employers notice that a hybrid model can offer much needed flexibility that can lead to improved retention of workers and large increases in productivity. Studies show that hybrid workers boost productivity by 4.6% mainly because their time is not spent commuting or doing other unnecessary tasks at the office. Workers, and managers will do well with a hybrid model if it is built on trust. Employees want to feel that their company appreciates them and recognizes their dedication and loyalty.
How to Make a Hybrid Work Model Work Best for You
If you find yourself working in a hybrid situation you can do lots of things to make sure it will be successful. Work hard to have open communications with your teams, managers and clients. Be innovative with technology and be available when others need to be in touch with you.
Most importantly, choose a place to work that will help you stay focused and will eliminate distractions. A Coworking office space might be the answer to your needs if you work remotely in a hybrid work situation.
Red Oak Coworking Offices
Red Oak Coworking Offices at 66 Hanover Street in Manchester New Hampshire is just the place for successful hybrid work. Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s largest city this coworking environment offers a variety of work spaces that range from private or shared offices to open space coworking desks. All are rented without long term leases, have parking nearby and have all the underlying infrastructure to support the technologies that will drive your business. Workers love the kitchen space, free coffee, tea and filtered water and free wi-fi. Lounge areas, a library table, two conference rooms and a soundproof phone booth are great amenities. You never have to worry about maintenance, cleaning services or utility bills in this space. The problem of choosing a private office or a coworking office is easy to overcome here. You can choose just what you need. Contact Red Oak Coworking for more information and to get your business running smoothly and in a manner that is ready for the future.