With the community hopeful vaccinations will soon ease the threat of Covid-19, businesses who have operated remotely since last year are faced with a new challenge: Deciding if the traditional workplace model is still relevant.
While some companies are returning to the full-time in-office work model, others have opted to remain permanently remote. The problem is that both scenarios may not be beneficial for companies and employees. Businesses and professionals whose productivity soared while working remotely may have a difficult time returning to a traditional workplace setting. Those who thrive from in-person interactions with clients or find working from home distracting may feel inclined to look for a new position.
Since neither scenario seems suitable, businesses are now considering a solution that may satisfy all parties: a hybrid work model.
What Is a Hybrid Work Model?
In its purest sense, a hybrid work model merges traditional office-based work with remote work opportunities. This model is implemented in one of two ways: Creating a schedule in which employees spend alternate days or shifts working in-office and at home. Or, allowing employees who prefer to work remotely to do so permanently while welcoming those who favor in-person work back to the office.
Though hybrid work models are not a brand new concept, interest in this workplace scenario grew exponentially in the past 16 months. Even though hybrid scenarios seem like the perfect solution for many organizations, there are a lot of things to consider before putting this model into practice.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Hybrid Work Models
Hybrid work models certainly have many benefits, including a better work-life balance for staff, increased productivity, greater employee safety, lower overhead costs, and the ability to hire talented employees from outside a business’ locality.
That being said, there are many drawbacks to this model such as an increased reliance on technology, a lack of in-person team- and client-building opportunities, and the potential for longer working hours as a result of conflicting on-site and remote work schedules.
However, there is a way to effectively resolve some of the drawbacks of the hybrid workplace model: Coworking office space.
Make Your Hybrid Model Work with Coworking Office Space
Coworking or shared office space is a great solution for small businesses interested in a hybrid workplace model. Rather than incurring the expense of leasing office space that’s only half full, companies save money via the pay-per-use model of a coworking office space. Remote work can continue, only now all employees have access to professional office space to work without interruption, collaborate with coworkers in the same space, host on-site team-building gathering, conduct in-person interviews or performance reviews, collaborate and meet with existing or potential clients in an office setting instead of virtually.
Even before the pandemic, it was clear that the traditional workplace model may have run its course. Now with coworking office spaces like those offered by HeadRoom, small businesses, start-ups and solopreneurs can blend the best parts of office-based work and remote work to create a successful hybrid workplace model. While some corporations and large companies continue to struggle with the office environment of the past, small businesses can easily invest in the future. To see our shared office space options in the Philadelphia area in person, contact us today to schedule a tour.