Remote working has provided many benefits for some employees, but many employers believe it has negatively impacted others. Let’s explore how to strike a balance between worker well-being and the hybrid work model, which blends in-person and remote work to benefit employees.
This has become a significant concern, with Forbes reporting that 47% of employers are reconsidering remote working options, citing concerns about employee well-being stemming from hybrid or remote work arrangements. Three key challenges are:
- Uncertainty about employee responsibilities in the workplace,
- Maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and
- Addressing employee mental health and increasing feelings of isolation.
The first challenge is the most straightforward to tackle, at least in terms of employer control.
Monitoring Employees
Remote work makes it harder for employers to supervise their employees effectively.
SHRM points out that this has already led to issues with monitoring tax compliance, as employees working from different states can create payroll complications. For employees, challenges arise in areas like compensation, disability claims, and maintaining well-being within a hybrid work model.
Employees are more likely to experience disability claims rejected by the government while working from home, and employers have less control over providing support, both financially and in terms of in-person paperwork assistance, for employees working remotely.
The solution lies in a more robust HR framework. Companies need to bridge the gap between employer awareness and employee transparency.
Clear communication ensures everyone is on the same page and that the remote work environment benefits all parties involved.
Rebalancing Work and Life: Worker Well-being in a Hybrid Model
While remote work has allowed many to reclaim their commute time, many are losing personal time due to blurred work-life boundaries. It’s easier to start work early and finish late, and with workspaces often merging with living spaces, many feel constantly “on.”
Although many found commuting challenging, the physical separation of the office made it easier to create a clear distinction after the working day is done, as CNBC highlights. Moving forward, employees need the ability to disconnect at the end of the workday.
When their workday is over, they should log off, regardless of upcoming tasks.
Combating Isolation: Worker Well-being in a Hybrid Model
Research cited by The Atlantic suggests that fully remote work can decrease employee happiness. Nearly 70% of workers reported blurred lines between work and life, leading to feelings of isolation. Hybrid work may be the solution.
It helps foster a stronger connection to the employer and offers more opportunities for check-ins. It also prevents isolation from impacting the employer in the long term.
The challenge for employers is finding the right balance. Each business is unique, and what constitutes an acceptable hybrid work arrangement will vary.
Determining this balance will require effort, but it’s crucial for the smooth operation of the business and the well-being of employees.
What You Need to Know About Hybrid Work: Combining In-Person and Remote Components
It may seem obvious, but for those new to the concept, the first and most important step is recognizing that replicating office practices in a remote setting is not a sustainable solution for a successful hybrid workplace.
New problems require new solutions, and thriving in today’s world means adapting and developing processes relevant to current needs.
However, it’s crucial to understand the hybrid work model first.
A hybrid is a combination of different elements. The hybrid work model combines traditional office work with telecommuting.
One key characteristic is that employees can choose when and where they work. In theory, it seems like the perfect blend. So, why is implementation so challenging?
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to adopt remote work for the first time last year, leading to a significant increase in its use.
Companies implemented quick fixes that worked temporarily but lacked long-term sustainability. Many employees had to adjust their routines abruptly to adapt to working from home, often without being fully prepared.
Now, as companies begin to re-open their offices, employees are facing a new reality. Some prefer traditional office settings, while others favor working from home.
The 2021 Work Trend Index revealed that 45% of remote workers surveyed planned to relocate that year, now that working from home had become a viable option.
Today, hybrid work offers remote workers flexibility without the need to relocate for career advancement. The talent market is evolving.