hybrid working future of office operations

Hybrid working has been a popular choice for many companies in the wake of the pandemic’s end. As the name implies a hybrid working system involves a partial working system between working from home and office. Employees are usually required to work from the office around two days a week. On the remaining working days, employees can continue with their work from home. 

According to The New York Times, working from home has done wonders for employees. Employees can replace commuting time and cost with doing more work from home. Not only that but working from home also does wonders for employees’ mental health as they can work from a comfortable place. Plus, for the individuals looking to become more environmentally friendly, working from home helps with reducing carbon emissions.

Nonetheless, in a business setting, there are several instances where physical meetups are essential to help with the problem-solving discussion. Although one can argue that online meeting platforms exist, sometimes a team need to be physically there to look at the issue together. In those instances, an office place is still necessary to host meetings and keep valuable corporate belongings. Thus, a hybrid working system is born. 

Hybrid Working Potential

Although not all companies can utilize this system, most companies can do so. As long as the business does not provide a face-to-face and physical service to clients, it should be able to apply a hybrid working system. Certain businesses that may not be able to utilize this service are hotels and office services. Unless the business replaces the human workforce with automation, then applying a hybrid working system may be a challenge. 

Yet today, many companies are shifting to a hybrid working system. According to the BBC, a survey in May 2020 showed that 55% of US workers prefer a hybrid working system. The United Kingdom expects a double in number from 18% to 37% post-pandemic in the number of people working from home. China is also expecting companies to favour 60/40 hybrid working systems for the next 10 years. 

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Nonetheless, a hybrid working system may also be disadvantageous to some people. Those who work in a cramped flat or have a spotty internet service will prefer working from the office. Thus, a flexible hybrid working system may be preferable to solve these issues. Employees who prefer to work from home may be able to do the majority of days from home and two days in the office. Whilst others who prefer working from the office can do so anytime.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

There are several benefits that entrepreneurs can reap from this working system. For one, entrepreneurs can save office unit rental costs and shift to a more modern alternative such as a virtual office and serviced office. Using a virtual office will provide companies with meeting room access and a business domicile. On the other hand, a serviced office provides a business domicile, an office suite dedicated to the company, and a meeting room access. 

Another benefit that entrepreneurs can get from hybrid working is the overall deduction of costs. Companies with their own office can save on pantry costs, utility costs, and parking space issues. Despite the seemingly small costs, entrepreneurs will be surprised at the amount of money they can save. However, if the company are already using the aforementioned modern alternative, the hybrid system can save commuting expenses and increase working productivity.

In addition, entrepreneurs may also enjoy a better staff retention rate and higher productivity. Satisfied staff will be able to produce greater results and increase working motivation. Plus, with a designated day to work in the office, the employees will be encouraged to become more efficient. They will make use of the time they work in the office more efficiently, knowing that they have to get things done in the two days the team meets in the office. With five days working from the office, employees will tend to procrastinate by doing office banters or chit-chats.