The pandemic has not only brought about health and economic concerns, but it has also significantly impacted the way we work. As we slowly emerge from this unprecedented time, we have learned that allowing employees to work remotely, at least part-time, may lead to higher productivity, increased morale, and decreased requests for days off.
Working from Home
A recent study by Pew Research showed that 54% of respondents would want to work from home after the pandemic ends. This is why the future looks increasingly like it will include a hybrid work schedule. It is a balanced combination of remote and in-office work weeks. Meetings and collaborations are usually scheduled when everyone is in the office, while the rest of the week is spent working remotely.
Pros and Cons
The pros of this hybrid work schedule include increased productivity, lowered costs, and increased morale. However, there are also cons, such as burnout, employee isolation, and the loss of great brainstorming sessions that video conferences cannot replace.
Making it Work
To make a hybrid work schedule work for you and your team, accountability, meaningful one-on-ones, and clear expectations are necessary. Managers and employees must have an honest conversation about accountability, set specific and recurring meetings, and establish clear expectations. By doing so, everyone can stay on track, set goals, and improve their chances of success.
As the world continues to change, we must adapt to these changes. A hybrid work schedule may be the future for many companies, and by getting to know each team member’s work style and motivation, everyone can thrive in this new way of working. Embracing a hybrid work schedule can lead to higher productivity, lower costs, and boost morale, creating a more positive work environment for everyone involved.