Hybrid or fully remote - How to Decide In-Office, Hybrid or Fully Remote?

As a result of the pandemic, most workplaces all across the globe found themselves revising their office and work strategies. In an effort to remain functioning, many companies moved to remote working models with only those who were extremely essential actually reporting to their workplaces. With the subsiding of the pandemic the big question now for many businesses is what strategy is best, full-time in the office, hybrid or fully remote?

Back to Normal

Many businesses today are attempting to put their workplaces back on track with the typical work in the office model. Though most businesses want their staff to return to the office, there continue to be a wide range of remote work from home positions being offered. Remote work appears to be here to stay. With that said, many business owners must determine which model works best for them and for their employees. Whether working in the office full time, hybrid or fully remote work models, the ultimate goal is to improve employee productivity, enhance work-life balance and increase employee retention. The pandemic has certainly put in place what many tend to call a ‘new normal.’

A Tough Decision

Business owners must understand that they can either choose to provide employees the options they are looking for to balance their work and home lives or else lose out on acquiring top-rated talent. The important first step for employers to take is to research the statistics out there with regard to remote work models, hybrid work models or returning to the office full time work models.

There are many statistics out there that offer proof that working remotely during the pandemic saw an increase in productivity from employees. Employees were also able to enjoy an enhanced balance of work and life by managing their own work and home schedules and responsibilities. This certainly contributes to a much happier employee as well as a happy employer who sees the increase in productivity. Further, working from home minimizes expenses for employees. There is no longer the cost of gas for the commute to and from the office. In addition, childcare costs can be reduced and even the cost of purchasing professional office attire and gear.

There are many employers, however, who prefer the typical work model and want to see their employees back in the office full time. If having employees work remotely all the time is not satisfactory to an employer, perhaps introducing the concept of the hybrid model can make everyone involved happy. The hybrid model allows business owners to have mandatory in-person meetings and in-office work days while also allowing employees to still enjoy the balance, money savings, and overall ease and comfort of their working from home. Hybrid is, in essence, the best of both worlds.

Time Will Tell

The overall shift from working in the office full-time to hybrid or fully remote work models is altogether new. It does appear, however, that the hybrid model is proving to be the best of both worlds. However, to determine which model works best for you it is imperative that you measure employee productivity levels, employee retention, labor costs and turnover costs as well. Business owners must keep a close watch on the financial health of their company and the

key performance indicators mentioned above. Each of these metrics will assist you in determining the office model that is suited best for your company as well as your clients and employees. You want to be sure you make the right choice and set in place your ‘new normal’ whether it be hybrid or fully remote.