The last 15 months have truly been unprecedented. During the pandemic, remote work became the norm, and companies were forced to pivot with so many employees working from home. Tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams became the must-have software over the past year and just about everyone is now used to video meetings. But, things are starting to open up again and offices are starting to welcome workers back. But one thing that we know for sure if that some form of remote work is here to stay and the most likely scenario is a hybrid work environment.

What is a Hybrid Work Environment?

A hybrid work environment is not a new phrase or idea. But over the past year and a half, it is something that has gained a lot of traction in the corporate world.

The hybrid workplace model is a type of work environment that combines aspects of remote working and in-office working. In a typical hybrid workplace, some or all employees have the freedom to choose where and when they work, dividing their time between working from home and working from a central office.

Benefits of a Hybrid Work Model

• Increased productivity - In a hybrid workplace, flexible workers can utilize their time better. They can choose to avoid commuting at busy times. They can fully focus on tasks without the noises and interruptions of the traditional office environment.

• Employee satisfaction - For many, working from home can be isolating or distracting. A hybrid workplace mitigates many of the downsides of pure remote working, creating a professional space outside the home for employees to collaborate and socialize with colleagues.

• Costs savings - Once a company knows how many employees will be in the office at any given time, employers can plan around new occupancy levels to cut down on the cost of rent, office supplies, and other business expenses. And for employees, the potential to save on gas and other expenses for getting to work is also appealing.

• Safety during the pandemic - Even as vaccinations take effect and we begin to emerge from the pandemic, health experts warn that social distancing measures will remain in place for some time.

Disadvantages of a Hybrid Work Model

• Increased reliance on technology - One thing we all noticed during the past year-plus while working remotely that we rely on technology more than ever. Whether it’s video conferencing or online collaboration or communication tools, technology is more important than ever.

• Team-building when there’s a distance - In a hybrid workplace, it can be difficult to form or maintain relationships with colleagues. If you’re not sharing the same physical space, you can’t just stroll over to their desk for a casual chat or show them a funny YouTube video.

• Potential burnout - Left unchecked, a culture of overworking can creep into a hybrid workplace model. Remote workers may work longer hours and take shorter breaks than their in-office counterparts.

Hybrid Work and Productivity Training

So how does productivity and software training fit into hybrid work environments? It’s simple, training can bring a team together and help with productivity. With the workspace evolving at a rapid pace, the need for training has increased. And when you make training fun, it can help build up your team through networking and confidence. At Excel & Flourish, we can provide a variety of in-person and remote training options for your team. We specifically design our training around your team’s needs, so whether they are all in-person, online or a combo of both, we can tailor our training to your needs and engage everyone.

Ready To Invest In Your Team's Productivity? Let's Talk!