Covid has fast-forwarded the concepts of remote working and using a hybrid model with a mix of both home and office time, highlighting that office working five days a week may be obsolete.

Organisations see advantages in moving from traditional work models to new ones. Highlighting advantages and disadvantages in remote working.

One main attraction of remote working is the ability to maintain a work-life balance, avoiding rush hour traffic, lunches at the desk and demanding workloads. Employers have been reticent to change from the traditional in office work model fearing reduced productivity.

COVID-19 distancing has forced change and has provided interesting results. Remote working has increased rather than decreased employees’ productivity, and helped improve employees wellbeing.

Some advantages of hybrid model

1. Reduced commute time

Our daily commute avoidance has meant that on average, we gain an extra hour a day. This has resulted in improvement in task management and saving money on fuel consumption and wear and tear on cars!

2. Self-care and wellbeing

One major benefit of saying goodbye to the office-centric lifestyle is the extra time taken to make more nutritious meals at home, eating at a more relaxed pace and getting outdoors more for lunchtime walks.

3. Work-life boundaries

Working from home can cause difficulty in switching off, as happens when you leave an office. Email responses or late evening business calls can become a habit when you no longer have the 9-5 routine. Spending a few days in a workspace, using the hybrid model can help maintain that work-life boundary.

4. Social interaction and team dynamics

A hybrid model sees employees working remotely 1-3 days and in the office for the remainder of the week. Working remotely impacts on the formation of team dynamics and work friendships. It may impact on instilling company culture throughout the organisation, particularly when new employees are hired. A hybrid model can supports more work place interaction.

5. Communication

Communication issues when interacting virtually are common when video communication is used. Negotiations are easier when you face to face. Large projects and technical meetings are completed more smoothly when colleagues are in the same room, a hybrid system is effective in that situation.

6. Introducing new staff and training

Introducing new staff members to fellow workers is important in any company. On the job training still plays an important role in the learning experience for new staff or those changing role within a company. The hybrid model can facilitate these two situations.

Without doubt, over time, as we move back to a more normal environment, every company will have found a model that suits their business.

At Acorn Business centre we can provide flexible work space and virtual services, adapting as your business model changes. Our flexible work space and meeting facilities enable your staff to work and collaborate in a shared environment.

Interested? Contact us at: Phone: 021 453 6199. Email: info@acornbusinesscentre.ie