What Is a Hybrid Work Model and How Do You Implement It?

The hybrid work model is one of the ways of working that took off during the pandemic. It mixes office and remote work, and it brings a lot of practical benefits with it. So what exactly is hybrid work, and how can a business make the switch? Let's walk through it.

What is a hybrid work model?

A hybrid work model is a setup where employees work from the office on some days of the week and from home on others, based on a schedule the employer sets. Many employees feel more independent under a hybrid model, because it gives them time with colleagues and the chance to build a work setup that suits them.

In a hybrid model, employees only come into the office at set times. It sits between fully in-office work and fully remote work. In practice, going hybrid means living with both models at once.

How do you implement a hybrid work model?

A hybrid model splits work between home and the office, which keeps the number of people in the office at any one time low. The employer decides how much time is spent remote and how much in the office. In a workplace with a lot of employees, the employer can split people into groups and give each group its own office days.

Hybrid work is often confused with remote work, but they are not the same. In a remote model, the employee does all of their work away from the office. In a hybrid model, the employee works in the office on the days the employer sets and is free to work wherever they like the rest of the time.

Since the pandemic, many companies have moved to remote or hybrid work. A more varied setup like this can give people more freedom in how they work, and businesses in many different industries have made the switch or are getting ready to.

What should you keep in mind when moving to a hybrid work model?

Hybrid work gives employees more freedom and a more comfortable place to work, but there are a few things to plan for when you make the move:

Communication

When people work in different places, keeping communication healthy and steady is critical. Both managers and employees have a part to play. First, everyone needs to be reachable so work doesn't stall. That means managers should invest in the right tools to keep communication running smoothly.

Trust

Mutual trust matters a lot in hybrid work. Understanding on both sides and clear communication between managers and employees are the foundation of a workplace built on trust. Managers may need to rethink how they communicate and, if needed, adjust how the team is organized to fit the new setup. Employees also need to trust that their workload is fair. Whether they are in the office or at home, they should know they won't be overloaded. That has a real effect on motivation and productivity.

Empathy

Many things can affect how productive someone is in a hybrid setup. During the pandemic, for example, working parents often had their kids at home on remote days, which split their attention. That is why employers need to be understanding and show empathy when small hiccups happen.

What are the benefits of a hybrid work model?

Hybrid work has advantages for both employees and employers. Here is what each side gets:

Benefits for employees

On the days they work away from the office, employees can choose their own workspace, which helps them feel more independent and comfortable. Another big plus is a better balance between work and personal life. On remote days, they skip the commute and can put that time to better use.

Benefits for businesses

Businesses that cut down how much they use the office can also cut fixed office costs. Companies that run hybrid work well may even move to a smaller office and save on many other expenses. The less a workplace is used, the less energy it consumes. Employers may also see lower spending on meals and commuting support.

Hybrid work and HR management

If you are moving to hybrid or remote work and want to manage your HR processes in one place, Kolay can help you keep everything in a single piece of HR software.