COVID-19 changed our lifestyles in ways we could’ve hardly imagined. With the entire world confined to their homes, our way of working also shifted, with most companies and organizations moving to work-from-home and hybrid modes of employment. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages that come with these ways of working? Keep reading to find out.

Pros

1. Reduced cost of operation

Studies suggest that hybrid work models help businesses save up to 500 billion dollars a year. The primary factor here would be saving real estate costs. By cutting down on infrastructural costs, employers can focus their budget towards other crucial areas like agility and workplace effectiveness. 

2. Data and power consumption impact 

By maintaining a flexible work schedule, employees use their internet connectivity and power only when needed for work. This way, they can massively cut down on their data and power consumption. By saving energy, organizations are also able to reduce their carbon footprint. 

3. Emphasis on productivity, not efficiency

One of the best things about hybrid working is the flexibility that it provides to employees. Because it does not rely on the 9 to 5 office timings, the hybrid working style allows employees to work when they feel like it, taking breaks and being under less pressure. This makes them more productive, which is better than focusing on efficiency and having a burnout. Studies suggest that 78% of employees found themselves more productive with the hybrid model.

4. A new way to collaborate

Employees no longer have to be in the same room to conduct meetings. The hybrid work model allows for asynchronous communication so that employees can take their own time and work. The various video calling software are adding newer features to make sure employees feel as comfortable as possible during online meetings.

5. Employee prioritization

The pandemic increased the amount of conversation surrounding mental health, especially burnouts that employees consistently experience. By setting aside a budget for, say, mental health workshops, etc., hybrid work mode promotes the prioritization of employees.

Cons

1. Increased employee isolation

Someone who works from home and not a co-working space during the pandemic might feel quite lonely. Especially if they’re living alone, this can have grave effects on their mental health. 

2. Higher cyber security risk

Because employees are working from their own systems or using internet connections that might not have the necessary security software installed, there’s a chance of data loss– that systems may get hacked or confidential documents leaked.  

3. Highly politicized workspaces

Since the hybrid model allows for both working from the office as well as home, people working from the office might be viewed as more dedicated by the brass. This may lead to an undemocratic approach in treating employees– the ones who work from the office might be prioritized over others. 

Conclusion

With the pandemic not going away for a while, the hybrid work model is also here to stay. We won’t be surprised even if it lasts beyond the pandemic. It has become necessary for employees and employers to brace themselves for this new workstyle.