A work from home model works for some but not everyone.
The adverse effects of the pandemic meant that workplaces had to find flexible ways to ensure they survived. This resulted in the concept of the hybrid office. The concept allows workers to alternate between working from home and the office. It has its benefits, such as giving workers more flexibility and autonomy.
For instance, you can choose your working hours for the days you are working at home, thus giving you the flexibility of working when you want and maybe concentrating on other tasks such as attending advanced English classes online to improve your skills and also make time for family.
Studies have shown that up to 83 per cent of workers would prefer the hybrid workplace, especially with the ongoing pandemic. However, the question is whether it is a viable option and if it is the future of the workplace. This article examines some of the issues with this model and why its viability may not convince some.
It may not be a fair system
One of the disadvantages of this system is that not every worker can work in this system. This is because some jobs require workers to work on-site. This could lead to resentment among some workers. This is because it may be viewed as a privilege for some and not others. Furthermore, some forms of work such as IT demand that teams be present in the office full time. Another downside of implementing this system is that there may be in-cohesiveness when workers are separated.
Extra costs on cybersecurity
Alternating between working from home and at the office could present challenges such as cybersecurity issues. This means companies will need to invest more money in cybersecurity to prevent data breaches which could be catastrophic. Furthermore, companies may also be forced to invest more if they are responsible for the home setups of their workers. While this could also be an advantage since office spaces can be smaller, its downside is that transitioning from home and the workplace could force workers to set up their workstations each time they report to the office.
The hybrid structure is constantly evolving
Various companies are testing different forms of hybrid work to see which will work for their workforce. For example, there is the classic hybrid system where workers decide when to work from home and when to come to the office. There is another system where companies dictate to workers the number of days they are to report to work and when to work from home.
Favouritism
Workers who come to the workplace are also more visible than those working from home. This may feed into aspects such as promotions and a pay increase. It may also result in burnout as workers working from home try to prove themselves. Research also showed that 54 per cent of workers in Britain felt obliged to come to work during the pandemic, even when advised to work from home. Furthermore, the research also showed that workers who worked from home stayed logged in for longer than they would when at the office.
In conclusion, Hybrid work will depend on the different demographics and needs. Different teams of workers will prefer specific ways of working. For example, remote working may suit parents more since they need to care for their families than young workers starting out.
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