What the Hybrid Workplace Means for the Future of Your Business

8/16/2021 | By Marella Gimenez

Many companies around the world are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced them to make changes to continue doing business while ensuring their employees’ safety. Remote work is being promoted, opening many opinions regarding the future of work. One of which is the possibility of having a hybrid workplace, which will be our main topic today.

The Future is Hybrid

Many countries and businesses struggled due to the rapidly changing environment during this pandemic. A company that wants to thrive during this COVID-19 pandemic needs to have an effective strategy. However, the problem is not only limited to how we can work remotely. The challenge extends to ensuring that your employees’ well-being is well-supported.

Given the situation, the future of work will be most likely shaped by the ongoing pandemic. As you modify your organization’s operations, here are some trends regarding the future of work.

Employers will shift their focus from their employees’ work experience to their life experience.

When the pandemic started, employers had an opportunity to know their employees more on a personal level. According to Harvard Business Review, workers who feel supported personally and professionally tend to perform better. The employer's support will increase productivity and improve or maintain a healthy work environment.

Flexibility will vary from location to time.

Before the pandemic, most companies required their employees to go to the office daily. However, once this pandemic is over, the future of work will not be the same as before. Hybrid work environments, where employees can either work remotely or in the office, will become normal. 

Why have a hybrid workplace? According to Microsoft, over 70% of workers prefer having a flexible workplace. At the same time, over 60% of workers also want to have in-person meetings.  

Redefining the Future of Work

As mentioned earlier, many businesses do not have a strong shield against COVID-19. Many people lost their jobs, companies are cost-cutting, and resources became more scarce. As existing organizations strive to survive and prosper today, we need to modify our current operating model or business strategy. Today, people are looking at the hybrid future of work, which you might want to apply to your business.

Stronger Support and More Opportunities for Employees

The physical and mental well-being of the workforce is the priority of companies today. Many companies strived to support their employees by providing the tools and resources that they need for work. They also offer financial assistance for the health and safety of their families. Some companies even offered COVID-19 vaccines for their employees and their beneficiaries.

When it comes to working, it’s also essential to make sure that no one is left behind. Teaching older employees how to navigate technology is much appreciated. Remote working will also give your employees some time to expand their careers and grow outside the company.

Embracing the HR Modernity and Humane Leadership

The job of HRs today is not limited to shaping the employees’ work experience. HR modernity extends to knowing about the employees on a deeper level, so you’ll understand how to support them better. Aside from support, workers also need humane leadership. An organization will not survive in the absence of kindness and empathy, especially in these trying times.

Prioritizing Safety and Privacy in the Workplace

Since the pandemic started, people have been forced to stay in their homes for their safety. The company's operations were moved online, and leaders strive to keep work as flexible as possible. One-on-one meetings became more frequent nowadays since it promotes privacy.

Companies that have Shifted to Hybrid Setups

Companies have already taken steps in transitioning towards a hybrid work, and here are some of them:

1. Google

Google has announced its shift to a hybrid work model and even shared its new remote workplace policies. Google/Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said that they would implement a “hybrid work week.” It is where employees spend approximately three days in the office and two days wherever they work best. Those who want to work in other Google offices are allowed to work remotely full-time.

Aside from the hybrid work week, Google also implemented the “work-from-anywhere weeks.” Employees can work in another location aside from the office. The goal of this policy is to have flexibility in work and give their workers time to travel.

If you plan to implement a hybrid model strategy for your business, Google recently launched the Google Workspace that you can use. Check out the Google Workspace here.

2. Salesforce

Salesforce, the cloud-based CRM solutions provider, also announced that they would adopt the hybrid future of work. The organization announced that they would allow their workers to spend time in the office one to three days per week. The days the employees are at the office are dedicated to team collaboration.

If an employee does not live near the office, Salesforce said that they are working remotely full-time. At the same time, those whose roles require their daily presence in the office will spend four to five days in the office.

3. Hubspot

Hubspot builds a hybrid company with three work options: working from home or office and flexible working.

For those working from home, they may go to the office one to two times per quarter. For those in the global offices, they may come three or more days per week. Lastly, for flexible working, they can come to the office two or fewer days per week.

There may be other companies that are currently planning for hybrid work in the future. The transition may be challenging, but having clear policies is helpful based on the companies mentioned above.

What the Hybrid Workplace Means for the Future of Your Business

Returning to the traditional work model after the pandemic might not be the same for all companies. However, what does a hybrid workplace mean for the future of your business? Here are some essential points that will enlighten you more about hybrid working.

1. Safety in the midst of the Pandemic

Although vaccines are being rolled out in many countries, it’s still important to keep your employees safe. We still need to observe social distancing since there is still a risk of getting the virus.

Every employee has a personal workspace in the office in a hybrid world without getting the places cramped up. Since they only need to be physically present a few times a week, employees could decrease the risk of getting the virus.

2. Increased Productivity Levels

People tend to have higher productivity levels if they work at their preferred time. Hybrid working also allows employees to manage their time well. Remote working means that they have more control over their tasks, and when they come to the office, team collaboration will be easier.

3. Healthier Employees

A healthy workforce positively affects their performance in the business. A 2020 SurveyMonkey study shows that working from home is happier than working in the office. It is because they have more control over the schedules. They can cook their meals, and they have more time to spend with their family and pets.

4. Cost Minimizing

Many companies love the hybrid future of work because it helps them minimize costs. You don't have to spend building a massive office with numerous desks in a hybrid work model. As a business owner, it means that you may opt to rent or buy a smaller space for your company. You can use the money that was saved for other meaningful expenses.

In Conclusion: The Future of Work is Hybrid.

The future of work is hybrid. The hybrid future of work idea is backed by statistics and statements from business leaders and the workforce. The uncertainty of this pandemic calls for companies to adapt, or else they may soon be left behind.

To help you take the first step, KMC Solutions provides services that can help leaders or organizations adopt the hybrid working model. KMC is the largest coworking and staff leasing service provider in the Philippines. They have workspaces in Metro Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Iloilo. KMC aims to deliver effective business solutions in collaboration with its sister companies, KMC Savills and Kittleson & Carpo Consulting.

KMC offers office space for entrepreneurs and startups, organizations, and even remote workers. They have private offices, coworking spaces, and virtual offices. If you are looking for office space, they also have customized offices that can accommodate your company. If you are interested, KMC offers a virtual tour of the offices.

KMC also provides COVID-19 business solutions that will enable your company to adapt to the flexible work setup. Their business strategies are working from HQ, near home, and from home. They will assist you in doing analysis, data processing, logistical preparation, and going live. Contact KMC now, and learn how you can grow your business!