There are three current states of work, the traditional, fully remote and hybrid.
The question is for many, will this stay and why they could or could not work for the business.
The three sections will help you shape your thoughts and understand if this could work for you or your business.
Existing / Traditional
Office based
“09.00 – 17.30”
Ideal for: workers who like the only one way to do it, who like their desk, their mug, their routine. Understand that proximity bias is important and meeting culture is part of the game. Typically struggles to work from home.
Implications: We will see a good % of employees move roles or move companies to find a better balance and working situation for them. Many large and existing businesses will welcome the turnover. If you are unsure of going back to the traditional set-up, consider how quickly you could change your current hybrid work patterns and how long it will take before old bad habits and behaviours creep in.
Will this last? Yes, in many traditional industries and many businesses trying to force change to their organisation after lockdowns and slow periods of productivity.
Remote
Fully remote (no central HQ)
Flex around core hours
Ideal for: workers who can self manage, whose desk can be anywhere and can work asynchronously vs always in real-time. Understand that your work does the talking and you have to be prepared for timezone challenges.
Implications: There will be many businesses who do not offer any transition plans and will not prepare many employees for a fully remote workforce. A move to documentation can be difficult for many new fully remote staff. Company culture is often more transactional and brings everyone together for working weeks, these can be taxing but many find rewarding, connecting in real life and building an IRL relationship on top of the work bond.
Will this last? Yes, working for many businesses, especially in tech, great examples to be inspired by: GitLab, Automattic and Basecamp
Moving Hybrid
In office + WFA (Working from anywhere, home, satellite office, a third space like a coffee shop or co-working space)
“09.00 – 17.30”
Ideal for: workers who want more flexibility but know the office is an important destination for group activities and connecting with their line manager. Understand that hybrid work is a transition and there will be teething issues. Offers flexibility for long term employment and career progression.
Implications: A forced work from home and forced hybrid is very different than a business or organisation to be fully hybrid and embrace the differences. Many businesses will not embrace different technology that is fit for purpose and many managers will feel the pressure to be in the office more often than not, changing the dynamics and demands of those who choose to be hybrid vs coming into the office.
Will it last? Yes, hybrid is most likely the long term future for most businesses. We will see many businesses embrace hybrid work and enable work from anywhere to change with the times and attempt to retain staff.
Over the next three to six months and many companies demanding a change from the current working situation, understand which is right for your company and right for your career.
In the very near future, we will see huge shifts in working styles and businesses adopting remote and hybrid to change their culture and attract different talent pools.