The Hybrid Workplace: What we've lost and gained

As mentioned in Fast Company article in April of 2023, Hubspot, the $20 billion market cap company which sells marketing and sales software, employees can choose what they want to do: 64% work remotely, 8% prefer to work from an office, and 28% choose flexible work. The company reported 33% revenue growth in 2022. Giving their team the choice to pick which workstyle serves them best has paid off. 

While the hybrid workplace presents several benefits, it also creates some challenges. There have been definite winners and losers from the transition to remote-first and hybrid workplaces but there are definitely things we can do about it.

WHAT WE’VE LOST

• Loss of  Spontaneous Connections to Colleagues
  One of the most significant challenges of a hybrid workplace is the lack of spontaneous connections between colleagues. The familiar office banter and watercooler conversations have been replaced by video calls and instant messaging. It can be challenging to build rapport with colleagues when you're not physically in the same space. As a result, some employees may feel isolated or disconnected from their team.
  
  
• Loss of using your In-person Interpersonal Skills
  Working remotely has also resulted in a loss of engaging interpersonal skills in person. Employees may find it difficult to adjust to the pace and tone of in-person meetings or presentations after spending months working remotely. It's essential to ensure that employees have opportunities to practice their interpersonal skills in person and virtually to prevent communication breakdowns.
  
  
• Loss of Daily Socialization for Career Development
  Daily socialization is also a significant challenge in the hybrid workplace. Employees may miss out on valuable networking opportunities and career development conversations. It's essential to create opportunities for employees to develop professionally and socially through events or mentorship programs. 
  
  
• Loss of a Experiencing Community and Company Culture
  Another challenge of the hybrid workplace is a loss of community and company culture. It can be difficult to cultivate a cohesive team when members are spread across different locations. Employees may find it challenging to feel a sense of loyalty or belonging when they only interact with other team members virtually on meetings. Driving attendance through events and designated collaboration times can bring people together and drive spontaneity, relationship building and innovation. 
  
  
• Loss of  Spontaneous In-Person Collaboration
  Collaborating in person can also be challenging in a hybrid workplace. Employees may lose the ability to brainstorm ideas quickly or spontaneously share their thoughts. It's essential to ensure that employees have access to the right technology and resources to collaborate effectively in a hybrid environment. Employing a tool that allows people to see when the best days to head into the office like Flexy, it gives them the intel they need to make better choices on their in-office days.
  
  
  More than 74% of Gen Z respondents prefer interacting with colleagues face-to-face, followed by Baby Boomers (68%), and Gen Xers (66%) according to a Remote Work & Compensation Pulse Survey by Apollo Technical.
  
  
  
• Loss of Transparency and Company Trust
  Finally, a hybrid workplace can lead to a loss of company trust. Employees may feel like they're not being trusted to work productively, which may result in a lack of motivation or commitment. It's important to set clear expectations and goals for employees to alleviate any concerns about trust issues.
  
  Flexy has built in guardrails to help employees meet the workplace requirements and feel confident that they are aligned with new and changing policies. It also can give managers the top-down view of where they are needed most to mentor their team members, giving them the added assurance that they know when and where it is best to connect with them. 

WHAT WE’VE GAINED

• Gain Time for Reduced Commute
  Despite the challenges of a hybrid workplace, it's also essential to acknowledge the benefits. One of the most significant gains is the time saved on a reduced commute. Employees may be able to use this extra time for self-care or other personal activities, resulting in a better work-life balance.
  
  
• Gain Focus with Off-Camera Days
  Working remotely also means employees can enjoy some downtime on days when they don't need to be on camera. They can dress comfortably, and no one needs to know they're wearing sweatpants. It allows them to be more comfortable and focused on their work.
  
  
• Gain Focus and Time with No Interruption during Asynchronous Work
  Asynchronous work is another benefit of the hybrid workplace. It allows employees to work on their own schedules and in their own environment, without the distraction of constant meetings and chatter. This focus time results in greater productivity and concentration.
  
  
  A recent survey by the economist found that 34% of respondents said that face-to-face interruptions from colleagues was the biggest reason they lose focus at work.
  
  

• Gain Ability to Merge Work/Life Activities for Balance
  Working remotely also provides the opportunity to merge work and life activities with balance. Employees can attend to their personal responsibilities while still meeting their professional obligations. It allows them to be more flexible and adaptable to changes in their personal life.

• Gain Better Digital Collaboration Acuity
  Finally, digital collaboration acuity is a gain from the hybrid workplace. The pandemic has forced organizations to adopt new technologies and better understand how to use them effectively. It's essential to continue investing in technologies that support digital collaboration to ensure employees can work effectively in a hybrid environment.

The hybrid workplace has its advantages and disadvantages. It's essential to acknowledge what we've lost and gained to ensure employees can work effectively and feel connected to their colleagues, teams, and organizations. By creating opportunities to practice interpersonal skills, socialize professionally, and collaborate effectively, employees can thrive in a hybrid environment. With the right investment in technology, tools and resources, organizations can capitalize on the benefits of the hybrid workplace while mitigating any challenges.