With the coronavirus pandemic and its mandates and restrictions came an increase in working from home. In order to smooth out the transition between going back to the office, many businesses have stumbled upon the ever more popular hybrid office model.
So, with the pandemic hopefully headed towards its inevitable end, why is hybrid working likely to become the ‘new normal’? Let us take a look at some of the benefits of a hybrid office.
Why is hybrid working so popular?
1.Greater flexibility
Hybrid office models allow workers the flexibility to choose if and when they want to work in the office or at home, and to what degree they split their time between the two. Therefore, this brings with it the opportunity to allow greater flexibility within the company.
In order to adapt to fluctuating numbers of employees working from the office, it is essential to consider a flexible workspace. With space for anything from 1 to 1,000 desks, a flexible workspace can easily be tailored to suit your business’ needs on a daily basis.
2.Reduced costs
Only using a small office space will reduce the overhead costs of running your business. Not only will the rent or cost price be cheaper, but you will also save money on purchasing hardware and furniture, plus reduce heating and electricity bills.
By reducing running costs, this will increase profits. With more disposable income, you will be able to invest more back into the business for innovation, growth and development. You might even be able to increase your workers’ wages to over living wage if you haven’t already.
3.Less commute time
Pre-pandemic, the average commute time in the UK was a whopping 59 minutes – longer than ever before. However, due to the increase in working from home, workers no longer have to travel almost an hour just to get to their desk.
Thus, hybrid working allows employees the opportunity to choose if and when they want to undertake the commute to work. In doing so, this not only reduces the average commuting time, but also reduces carbon emissions associated with means of travel.
4.Health and safety
Though the world is beginning to return to ‘normal’, the coronavirus pandemic is still ongoing, and thus should still be a key consideration in every business. By implementing a hybrid office model, you are showing your employees that you are putting their health and safety first, even if it is not mandated by the government.
5.Increased productivity
By introducing flexible working practices, employees will be able to better make use of the time they have available. Whereas some people might have had to take the afternoon off to collect their kids from school, they can now clock off for a couple of hours, before clocking back on and finishing a full working day.
6.Better work-life balance
Finally, and most importantly, hybrid working can have a significant positive impact on mental wellbeing, as it allows for a better work-life balance. The time that before might have been used on commuting can now be used for walking the dog, going to the gym, spending time with the family, and other activities that boost mental health.
COVID-19 has changed the world forever – and this is no different for the way that we work. With so many benefits to hybrid working, it is ever more likely that it will stay even beyond the pandemic.
OTS News on Social Media