Work environments have changed drastically over the past couple of years. The ideal has quickly changed from free beer and nap pods to your kitchen table and taking the dog out to “go potty.” While there are major benefits to working from home, you may miss the in-person interaction between coworkers. We have adjusted ourselves to be “ok” with little to no human interaction through quarantine, but is this the best way to work? Hybrid may be the answer.
Preparedness for Anything
A hybrid location work schedule allows for flexibility like none other. Employees have adjusted to working at home but are still accustomed to coming into the office. This allows for the flexibility for employees to continue to work without having to disrupt projects, use their PTO, etc. when plans change suddenly. When kids get sick, pet care falls through, or inclement weather would typically prevent them from coming into the office, they can choose to work from home if necessary. Likewise, if a project or meeting requires more in-office collaboration than usual, employees can come into work together in person as a team.
Mental/Physical Health
The flexibility of hybrid work also allows employees to better care for themselves mentally and physically. If any employee feels mentally or physically unwell but still wants to work or not use their sick days, they can request to be remote and work from the comfort of their home to recuperate. In addition to this, employees have more flexibility to use their lunch breaks or the time they would normally use commuting to get outside, get exercise, or just get some sunlight. Because of the mix between office and home time, employees can be filled by the comforts and benefits of home without feeling isolated from their coworkers.
The hybrid schedule is something that many companies are making permanent. They have seen the benefits of giving their employees this flexibility.
