Hybrid Work Trends
For decades, the traditional 9-to-5 grind was ingrained in everyday culture. Some companies, like tech startups and digitally driven agencies, embraced flexible scheduling, but for the most part, the standard commuting/office lifestyle remained untouched.
But last year, the global pandemic turned the standard work situation on its head. Conference rooms became Zoom calls, and sweatpants replaced slacks. After months of working from home during the pandemic, returning to the office can seem like a blessing for some and stressful for others. A rising solution for many companies is hybrid work. Major corporations like Target, Ford and Citigroup are currently moving to a hybrid model — where employees fluctuate their schedules between a standard office and their homes.
Hybrid work environments aren’t just “trendy” work opportunities. They’re now expected from younger employees who value safety.
What is Hybrid Work?
Hybrid work is a hybrid system that combines traditional office hours with remote work. There’s no one “right” way to do hybrid work. Some companies opt to only use the office space when needed or once a week. Other companies have a portion of their staff come in the first half of the week and then another portion in the latter half.
Why is Hybrid Work Appealing?
Hybrid work appeals to many because it’s a compromise between two polarizing work styles.
From an employee perspective, hybrid work:
- Offers an attractive flexibility that both millennial and Gen Z employees now expect from employers
- Saves money, time, and stress triggered by daily commutes
- Reduces distractions caused by other people “popping in” or needing a “quick meeting”
- Allows employees to structure their days more strategically around team-centered efforts
For employers, hybrid work:
- Improves productivity, especially if they’re leading a team of knowledge workers or introverts
- Streamlines processes and requires leadership to be more cognizant of the communications they have with their employees
- Reduces excess costs associated with being in-office
- Boosts workplace morale for both leadership and employees
How Does Hybrid Work Keep People Safe?
A key benefit of hybrid work that affects both employees and employers equally is hybrid work’s ability to keep people safer than if an office reopened in full. Fewer people being in the office reduces the risk of viral spread. It allows employees within the office to have enough space and socially distance from each other. Hybrid environments also make it easier for front desk employees to schedule guests according to who is in the office, preventing overcrowding within a meeting space.
Using Visitor Management to Facilitate a Hybrid Environment
A successful hybrid work environment needs a reliable infrastructure to support it. From messaging systems to digital time tracking, your company likely has the tools it needs to create a functional hybrid office. A visitor management system goes beyond helping guests check into your office. Tools like BreezN can make daily employee health screenings a breeze for in-office workers. By integrating with time tracking systems, they can also help leadership remember who is working remotely.
Returning to an in-office setting after a global pandemic is difficult. With a variety of safety and scheduling possibilities to consider, some companies rush the process without the tools they need to reopen safely. At Veristream, we help businesses reopen safely and give everyone a peace of mind about being back in office. Give Veristream a call at 1-888-718-0807 or schedule a demo to see how we can help your company develop a hybrid work environment.
