THERE IS NOT ONE SIZE THAT FITS ALL…
Working remote vs. in an office. Combining these two opposing dynamics will reinvent our traditional work methods. Hybrid work is not just about employee’s physical locations, but also about their way of work, their habits and overall efficiency. Finding the right balance between these two extremes and namely the corresponding level of hybrid work will be a decisive factor to a company’s success in the future.
…BUT THERE’S A RANGE THAT SHOULD FIT
In fact, companies will increase their productivity, agility and efficiency if they reconsider where their employees should work from. Indeed, we believe that a company will conclude that it will be most successful if at least 30% of the entire working hours of its business will be spent from outside the office, certainly only if feasible. At the same time, we assume that 30% must be spent in the offices to create structure, enable personal contacts and interactions, and reinforce teamwork. So, between these two 30%-guardrails, there’s a range that should contain your perfect match(es) of hybridization.
If significantly more time than 70% is spent in the office, this can deprive employees of the flexibility and agility that they are increasingly demanding and eventually it might lead to poor job satisfaction. On the other hand, working remotely all the time could lead to a loss of sense of belonging to the organization. Employees lose social and personal contact with colleagues and managers and they are constantly mixing work and private life. These factors could have a negative impact on job satisfaction as well as the productivity of employees and thus on the success of the company.
TESTING TO FIND YOUR SPOT(S)
Nevertheless, a company will have to generate customized solutions for every single employee by analyzing the surroundings they need to work best and the amount of personal contact as well as flexibility they require. Yes, this can be tested. And yes, there can be great solutions for everyone. But not ONE solution for ALL – there is no one right way.
So, finding the perfect balance of hybrid work for each of your employees is – again – key for future success.