Hybrid work – these are the benefits of the working model

Hybrid work is a working model that hardly existed before the coronavirus crisis. The working landscape has changed. Instead of hallway conversations, greeting handshakes and overcrowded meeting rooms, half-empty offices with changing employee attendance and desks are now the norm.

What is hybrid working?

Hybrid work can be defined as a mixture of mobile work, semi-mobile work and office-based work. The difference to the flexible working model is that employees decide for themselves how, when and where they work. This gives them the opportunity to balance their professional and private lives.

The hybrid working model has a number of important advantages, which we have summarized below.

Advantages of hybrid work:

Flexible work location
Corporate culture based on trust
Expanded applicant pool, as geographical boundaries no longer apply
Better cooperation
Less time for the commute
Focuses on work results

Thanks to the many advantages, it is clear that employees have a high degree of flexibility thanks to hybrid working. They can work at home, in the office, in a café or even from the train.

As a result, there are no longer any geographical boundaries in the search for suitable applicants. A new employee does not necessarily have to live in the same city, but can also come from a completely different federal state or even continent.

The commute to work is also eliminated, which is a huge advantage for commuters in particular and gives them much more time for their professional and private lives. In hybrid working, the office remains the central location that connects all employees.

For some, the idea of being present may still be important, as this is how others see that you are busy. However, the hybrid working model rethinks this view and shifts the focus to the work results, which offer the company added value.

Hybrid work: communication is the be-all and end-all

It is clear that in hybrid working, employees will no longer meet by chance in the kitchen for small talk and there will also be fewer lunches together. The easiest way to continue communicating with each other is digitally.

First of all, an awareness of hybrid working must be created. Asynchronous communication is the rule here and it must be ensured from the outset that the new digital structure is clear to everyone. This means you need to define in advance which communication channels will be used and what information can be found where exactly.

Otherwise, important details can quickly get lost. For example, collect everything important in an internal team wiki or document that every team member can edit.

Generally speaking, open and clear communication is an advantage in hybrid working. It prevents misunderstandings and disputes and solves any problems that arise, which ultimately also strengthens employee loyalty.

If you would like to find out more tips for good employee retention in the home office, read our related blog article.

How to implement the hybrid working model correctly

Hybrid working creates new opportunities for companies and employees and we will show you what you need to pay particular attention to if you want to establish this working model in your company.

New employees in particular need support and benefit from clear communication. Help them to quickly find their way around the home office. For example, you can prepare a kind of handbook for new employees with all the important information.

Also create clear rules and boundaries regarding availability and working hours. Define a time window from when to when you send emails in the company. This could be from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., for example, and anything that lands in your inbox before or after this time will only be processed later.

Another important aspect is the actual use of office space. Hybrid working may mean that less space is used in the office and you can offer office sharing accordingly or downsize in the future.

You also have the option of converting unused space into an additional cozy atmosphere. For example, create more comfortable seating for employees and customers, such as a lounge.

Constant documentation of processes is essential in hybrid working so that everyone in the team knows what is currently pending and how far the other team members are. Regular meetings also help to discuss tasks, stay up to date and help each other.

Regular monitoring of progress or successes helps you not to lose sight of the goal of your work. We have summarized the points mentioned above for you in a small checklist so that you have a better overview.