Things can change for the better. It’s no secret that the Covid-19 has forced many of us to pivot and adapt in our personal and professional lives, but here’s one change that’s revolutionised the way we work. According to Roy Morgan’s 2020 research, over 4.3 million individuals work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic – and people and businesses are happier and better for it. As offices slowly reopen their doors, organisations have taken learnings from this challenging time to adopt a mix of working from the home and the office. With this flexible work arrangement allowing for enhanced productivity, among other benefits, employees and employers alike are calling for the hybrid- working situation to become a permanent fixture within the workplace.
From reducing the impact on the environment to boosting company culture, Oceanic Managing Director of Acer, Darren Simmons, gives us the lowdown on why hybrid working is the future.
The Future of Work is Hybrid
1. It’s more environmentally friendly
People are becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprint and how they can be more sustainable in everyday life. Days spent working from home means fewer commutes to and from the office, leading to decreased carbon emissions. Employees can save their time and the planet by reducing time spent on the commute. It’s a win-win situation!
2. It boosts productivity and improves efficiencies
Speaking of commutes, time spent travelling to and from the office can now be repurposed for getting that extra hour of sleep! Research by the Sleep Foundation found that a lack of sleep can decrease focus, vigilance, and attention, dramatically impacting the quality of the work produced. Receiving an adequate rest each night is important and can now be achieved much easier with the hybrid working lifestyle.
3. Employees enjoy a work-life balance
Hybrid working gives employees the option to spend their time how they choose – whether that be at the office full-time, home full-time, or a combination of both.
Simmons confirms the benefits this has allowed. “Many people, across several industries, demonstrated that when equipped with the right technology, they can successfully work from home, remain productive and be engaged.”
Working remotely increases an employees’ ability to tend to their obligations outside of work, such as school pick-ups and spending time with family. Accommodating the needs of employees means that they won’t lose the work-life balance they achieved during lockdown.
4. It boosts company culture
Happy employees are loyal employees! Many employees are equally motivated to perform well away from their regular office. Along with increased positive workplace culture and work productivity, a flexible working environment helps attract and retain talent.
Keeping clear and open lines of communication when working remotely can be difficult, so it’s important to ensure catch-ups and hangouts are kept in place virtually.
“Hybrid ways of working and living are at the core of our collective psyche in the current climate,” Simmons continues, “and this has accentuated the importance of technology in enabling connectivity”.
Offering flexibility also shows employees they are trusted and appreciated. This can lead to decreased stress levels, a greater sense of wellbeing and fewer unplanned absences.
