Emerging Patterns on Hybrid Work and the Future of the Office

The recent global pandemic has changed the lives and perspectives of not just individuals, but the idea of workspaces as well. The traditional method of productivity is gradually becoming extinct due to the shift in work patterns caused by the pandemic which is accelerating the need to switch into the hybrid method of working.

Hybrid work pattern is not a new invention per se as studies show that countries like the U.S and China have long inculcated remote work habits. However, the isolation, quarantine, and lockdown were an eye-opener for countries all over the world who are used to the traditional method of working as they had to learn and invent ways to effectively carry out their office tasks from home. In as much as working from home supports the ability to focus, flexibility, creativity, and increased autonomy on the part of employees, the office is also a sane place that aids human interaction, allows one on one idea collaboration and team-building thus, hybrid work pattern is an office future every employee aspires.

Since productivity level has not been adversely affected as a result of the new working patterns that were developed during the pandemic breakout, it is safe to envisage that the future of the office in many countries will most likely be hybrid going forward based on all the changes, innovations and inventions that took place during the pandemic even though this may not be suitable for all work types. Whatever the case, it is most likely that employees whose work productivity is not dependent on their everyday presence at the office will remain with organizations adopting the hybrid model.

The emergence of a hybrid work pattern will no doubt affect the structure of the conventional office working hours and setting. This may affect the employees who are used to routine work patterns because the hybrid setting is a flexible one that gives freedom to employees schedule and working hours, there are also chances that some employees are exclusively asked to remain remote workers while others are in-office workers based on their productivity requirements, this means that workers that need a high level of concentration to carry out their tasks will most likely be remote while those that need to be physically present or need equipment available in the office to do their job will strictly remain office workers.

The hybrid work pattern is not just work as usual because it involves the constant use of technology and internet services which means incurring more maintenance costs. Therefore, organizations and offices that saw no need for the use of computers or internet services for video calls or conference calls will have to purchase them to monitor their organizational growth and create more online presence, they would also be needing it to communicate with employees working remotely and customers that cannot be physically present at the office.

Hybrid tends to be a great option for employees since it involves working some days at the office and other days at home or any remote area of their choice. In as much as this may have come from the angle of wanting to enjoy both worlds, the reality is that the pandemic has made a lot of people realize that balance is essential to enjoying total well-being thus, the craving for a workplace experience that gives sanity, flexibility, and purpose.