It’s quite clear for all of us that post-pandemic office life is going to be dramatically different from what existed before. The norms and standards are unclear, people are divided about returning to the office, and many leaders struggle to keep up with the fast-paced progress. A hybrid office has worked for us at IseeQ, and we definitely think it’s the middle ground of the future. Ever since we work in a hybrid setting, our productivity levels have increased, we still meet our colleagues to socialize, and have enough time away from work as well. As recruiters, we keep a close eye on future labor market trends and collected 3 of the most influential ones on hybrid work. Let’s dive in!

1. Hybrid combines the benefits of on-site and remote working and companies know that

An Australian study showed that fewer than a quarter of employees (about 23%) are returning to commuting five days a week, with about the same percentage working remotely full-time.

About 44% were doing “hybrid work”, splitting their week between days in the office and working remotely. This means that the majority of the workforce is leaning towards hybrid employers. Most companies are looking to remain hybrid even as it’s become safer to return to on-site work. By choosing a hybrid work model, companies can take the best of both remote and on-site benefits to give their employees increased flexibility and perks.

2. Different models are invented to make hybrid work an option for (almost) everyone

Hybrid office settings can currently be categorized into 3 types:

• – Days in office fixed, with workers expected to attend the office for a specific number of set days (e.g. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays).
• – Fixed office frequency, but workers have the flexibility to choose which days (i.e. any three days a week).
• – Total flexibility to choose where they work and when.

Depending on the needs of employees, all of those can be beneficial. Bigger companies with more complex structures might need some stability in their systems, while smaller ones are usually able to offer more flexibility. Nevertheless, these models all seem to work and drive higher engagement and satisfaction rates.

3. Flexibility is the new key to employee retention

Those with the greatest flexibility are usually perceived as the happiest. 82% of employees say the ability to work from anywhere has made them happier with 76% claiming that on average, they save up to $8,000 a year while working from home, says a global study by Cisco. The mere choice of not being completely regulated in the sense of whereabouts has made people more appreciative of their companies. Data shows that they tend to be more engaged in their jobs, staying longer at a certain role, and generally being more positive thanks to the increased freedom they experience. It’s worth noting that hybrid work models were created and became popular in as short as 2 years, while traditional methods were in practice for centuries. It’s obvious that they needed an update, but if people are already more satisfied with the developments, imagine what possibilities open when more data is available to make improvements.

It’s exciting to think about the future of work trends and which hybrid workplace trends will become the norm. At the end of the day, companies that understand why employees are seeking more flexibility will continue to innovate and strive. A purpose-driven strategy incorporating smart in-person collaboration is a must for anyone adopting a hybrid working arrangement. The future of work lies in the hands of the majority, the leaders that are willing to take the leap and create something that was never seen before. Start today!