Hybrid Work System: Definition, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Hybrid work is a work model that combines working from home and in the office.

With this system, employees have the flexibility to choose where and when they work.

This work model is increasingly popular in the modern era because it offers many benefits for employees and companies.

However, behind these benefits, of course there are challenges that need to be faced to ensure this system runs well.

What is Hybrid Work?

Hybrid work is a work system that combines working in the office (work from office) with working from home (work from home).

Reporting from the BBC, the hybrid work system gives employees the freedom to choose their work location, either in the office or anywhere else they want.

Companies will usually set a certain schedule where employees are required to be present in the office.

Quoting from Compass Offices, this type of work system usually has a time division of around 51% working in the office and 49% working remotely or from home.

Advantages of the Hybrid Work System

The advantages of the hybrid work system are:

1. Higher Flexibility

The hybrid work system provides greater flexibility for employees. Not only can you set where you want to work, but also when to work.

That way, employees have the opportunity to choose the most productive working hours for them so that they can produce optimal performance.

2. Better Life Balance

Hybrid work has a significant positive impact on employee life balance.

By reducing travel time to the office, you have more time for family, hobbies, or self-development.

For example, the time that is usually spent on the road can be used for morning exercise or breakfast with family.

This system also allows you to be present at important family moments without sacrificing work productivity.

3. Savings on Operational Costs

Hybrid work brings financial benefits to both parties.

For employees, reducing the frequency of travel to the office means savings on transportation, parking, and eating out costs.

Meanwhile, for companies, this system allows for optimization of the use of office space and reduction of operational costs such as electricity, water, and office facilities.

Some companies are even switching to a more flexible office membership system, such as that done by NOVOS.

This system allows companies to rent workspaces as needed, without having to be tied to long-term contracts.

4. Recruiting Talent from Various Regions

The hybrid work system opens the door for companies to recruit the best talent without geographical limitations.

Companies can expand their search for candidates to a wider area, even across countries. In addition, this system also helps quality candidates who may have difficulty traveling.

For example, there are people who cannot work in the office every day due to health problems or family responsibilities.

With hybrid work, they can still get jobs that match their abilities.

5. Increased Productivity

Hybrid work is one of the keys to making employees more productive. The reason is, with this system, employees can do various tasks better.

When working from home, employees can focus on work that requires high concentration without being disturbed by office colleagues.

Meanwhile, when they are in the office, time can be used for more interactive things. For example, in the office employees can discuss and exchange ideas with their colleagues.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Work System

As explained above, hybrid work is a modern approach to the world of work that combines time in the office and time at home.

Although this system has many advantages, such as flexibility and convenience, there are also some disadvantages that need to be considered.

Here are some disadvantages of the hybrid work system:

1. Communication Difficulties

Although there are many modern communication technologies available today such as video calls, chats, and emails, virtual communication is not always as good as meeting in person.

When we talk in person, we can see facial expressions and body language. However, in digital communication, this is often lost.

Based on research quoted from the BBC, conflict is more likely to occur in digital communication than in direct communication.

The reason is, when messages are not conveyed properly or there is a misunderstanding, it can cause tension within the team. This of course can disrupt collaboration that should run smoothly.

2. Technology Limitations

Not everyone has the same access to sophisticated technology. Some employees may experience problems with slow internet connections or poor devices.

This problem can certainly hinder employee work productivity. Therefore, companies need to ensure that all employees have the necessary technical support.

3. Work Culture Challenges

Building a company culture can be more difficult when many employees work from home.

When they are not in the office, employees may feel less connected to their coworkers and the company's values.

Activities that are usually done in the office, such as casual chats, celebrating birthdays, or gathering for small meetings become less frequent.

As a result, employees can feel lonely and have less sense of ownership of the company.

This can reduce their work enthusiasm and reduce their engagement in the long term.

4. Unequal Productivity

In a hybrid work system, not all employees have the same productivity.

Some people can work well from home, but others have difficulty. In fact, some employees may have difficulty managing their time well.

They can also be distracted by family or the environment at home which makes it difficult to concentrate. Situations like this can affect their performance and the overall teamwork results.

Therefore, companies need to provide the support and resources needed so that all employees can adapt and remain productive.

Hybrid work is a system that offers various advantages, but also has disadvantages that need to be addressed.

The success of this system depends on how the company and employees can adapt and manage change well.

With careful planning and effective communication, hybrid work can be a profitable solution for all parties in this modern work era.

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