Is Hybrid Working The Way Forward?

Following two years of uncertainty, many people have returned to the office full-time. However, some companies have chosen to implement long-term hybrid work options, allowing employees to split their work time between the office and home. The Office for National Statistics found that hybrid working had increased during spring 2022 from 13% in early February to 24% in May, with many hybrid workers planning to work mostly from home.

Surveys show that hybrid working has had a positive impact on workers, such as a better work-life balance, increased productivity, and more autonomy. Also, with reduced commuting time, more energy can be spent on work with no worries about traffic jams or train delays.

Although often, team meetings, collaborations, and hands-on projects are better suited to the office, many less-demanding tasks can take place at home. Additionally, some workers feel that being regularly drawn into office conversations with colleagues and attending unnecessary meetings can distract them from their work.

Hybrid working can also help those who are more neurodiverse, such as those with autism. Autistic workers can be sensitive to many features of office environments, such as bright lights or background noise, and may find it easier to focus and produce better work at home.

Similarly, having the option of hybrid working can help those with mental illnesses. It is common for people with depression to put on a ‘happy mask’ and working from home lets them drop the facade. Those with anxiety may also find it beneficial as hybrid working can allow them to take days to ‘socially recharge’ before coming into the office.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Gail Kinmen explains that hybrid working can “disrupt someone’s home-working routine”. Moving back and forth to the office can be jarring, and some have described feeling a sense of dread when returning to the office after working from home for a few days. Some may also find it difficult to separate their work and home life and can struggle to ‘switch off’ after finishing work.

Those with ADHD may find there is a lack of structure when working from home, preferring to work in the office where they can follow a schedule and more easily keep track of time. At home, hyperfocus can also kick in and hours may be spent on a project with no breaks as there are no other colleagues to pull you out of a rabbit hole.

The best way to implement hybrid working is to provide individuals the flexibility to choose when they come into the office or work from home; the same schedule will not work for everyone. For those considering introducing or amending hybrid working options for their company, IHRS can help with your policies. Contact the team at IHRS by visiting Get in touch | Insurance HR Solutions.