Like a swirling tornado, the pandemic swooped us out of our familiar workplaces and flung us into the web of the internet. But as the vaccines help us fight away the virus, is it also a cure for zoom meetings and Microsoft teams? Or are those here to stay or be replaced by hybrid workplaces? 

1. What does Hybrid Workplaces look like?

Contrary to popular belief, a hybrid workplaces model isn’t a perfectly blended concoction of in-person and online work. Instead, it’s what your company makes of it. For some, it looks like three days of in-person work with two days where you can choose either option. For others, it means giving employees complete freehand to choose between work from home and office-work at all times. 

Essentially, it’s whatever fits with the job requirements. 

2. Should your company go the hybrid workplaces way?

This question boils down to employee nature and team productivity. The tradeoff is simple: A hybrid model cuts down on the cost of having employees at the office as well as the commutation costs for the employees. On the other hand, having some people tune in online while others come to the office could create a communication gap between the team leading to a drop in productivity. 

3. Numbers make a difference.

A hybrid model isn’t one size fits all. At the end of the day, all things come down to the employee satisfaction. If the model works for them, the company flourishes and vice versa. While it’s easier for small startups and close-knit workspaces to come to an agreement on what works, it can be tricky to cater to everyone’s needs when there are hundreds or even thousands of employees. 

4. Employee perspective

As we mentioned, at the end of the day, a company’s success is guided by the people who make up the company. There are two things to consider for your employees: Are they tech-savvy? And do they still live near the office?

There’s no denying that the older generations have a tough time figuring out breakout rooms and screen shares. Older teachers particularly had a tough time managing classrooms of kids who knew their way around tech better. So age and adaptability are important. 

Secondly, many people moved closer to their families during the pandemic. If that’s the case for most of your employees, then they probably prefer the online way. 

Verdict

This decision comes down to your employees and what suits them. Think about the type of work your company does and see if the hybrid model will be a win-win situation for all.