Companies may have adopted the remote work setup as a consequence of the pandemic. But with the pandemic waning, they have another opportunity to revamp their workplaces. Now, they can-
- continue with the remote work setup
- adopt the novel hybrid workplace setup.
Both these models are known to offer flexibility while working. And both are known to improve employee productivity as well. So, how are they different? More importantly, which model should your company implement?
This blog covers everything that separates the hybrid workplace model from a remote work setup. And we also tell you which one you should go for depending on your current company situation.
Differences Between the Remote Work Setup and a Hybrid Workplace
- Location
- Remote Work Setup
As the name suggests, employees are usually seen working from home (or some other location that is not office) in a remote work setup. A computer and stable internet is all they need to work efficiently. Employees can work from the comfort of their couch or a resort, as they wish, as long as their productivity is unaffected.
Companies do not need a dedicated office when implementing a remote work model. So, they can save on real estate, utilities, and the cost of amenities as well.
- Hybrid Work Setup
In contrast, employees come into the office part of the time in a hybrid workplace. The exact time they spend working from the office depends on the company policy. For instance, some companies allow employees to choose when they want to work from the office, whereas others ask employees to come into the office periodically.
When working away from the office, employees have the same perks as remote workers. Moreover, given many companies implement flexible desking in a hybrid model, employees can choose their preferred work location even at the office.
Thus, the physical office space is an important element of the hybrid work model. And so companies must bear rent, utilities, and maintenance costs. Additionally, facility managers must routinely optimize office spaces in a hybrid work setup. Especially when companies do not know when their remote workers will choose to work from the office.
- Employee Communication and Collaboration
- Remote Work Setup
In a remote work setup, employees collaborate asynchronously with their team. Their primary modes of communication include instant messaging, emails, and virtual meetings.
So, companies need a unified communication system when implementing remote work. Else, they might risk the loss of transfer of critical information or, worse, miscommunication. At the same time, employees must also have resources like electric devices and stable internet to ensure no communication lapses.
- Hybrid Work Setup
In a hybrid work model, employees have more opportunities to collaborate with their colleagues in person. For instance, teams can meet in the office to collaborate on a project with an upcoming deadline.
This way, they can be assured that no messages get lost during communication. They can also clarify information instantly instead of endlessly waiting for a response. But what if teams cannot come into the office at once?
In this case, companies must employ hybrid workplace communication tools to ensure all the employees are on the same page. For example, they must use meeting room booking solutions that notify all meeting attendees about the time and purpose of the meetings.
- Employee Productivity
- Remote Work Setup
Research from TrustRadius and Tech Industry Analyst firm IDC in 2020 revealed that 57% of tech workers were more productive in a remote work setup. And this is no surprise given that employees can work in an environment where they feel most productive, whether in their room or a coworking space.
Many fully-remote organizations also allow their teams to work on flexible schedules. This means employees can also choose their office hours and work when they feel most productive.
- Hybrid Work Setup
Employees could work remotely or from the office in a hybrid workplace setup. Hence, their productivity levels vary in either case.
When working remotely, employees will still need to communicate with in-office employees during office hours. Hence, even though they can choose a work location depending on their working style, their flow will get disrupted due to constant communication.
But when working from the office, employees can clarify any doubts in advance and work from a focus room or a work desk where they feel most productive. This way, they do not receive constant notifications that disrupt their flow and are more productive.
Which Work Model Should You Choose?
The remote work model and the hybrid setup have their perks. However, the right model for your office comes down to the type of industry your company is a part of, employee preferences, and budget.
If your company is in an industry like the IT sector that does not require frequent in-person collaboration, remote work might be the way to go. But if your employees benefit from regular in-person communication, a hybrid work model may be more suitable.
If your company is sifting to a hybrid work model, consider implementing a hybrid workplace solution to make hybrid workplace management easier. WorkInSync hybrid workplace software simplifies the process of shifting from a traditional office to a flexible setting.
With features such as desk booking, meeting room management, the app is suitable for both employees and employers.
