Remote and Hybrid Working. Are they right for you?

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reshaped the landscape of work. Many previously office-based workers had a taste of working from home in some capacity, and for many, they loved it. As both employers and candidates navigate this new terrain, it’s essential to understand the nuances and benefits of these working arrangements. 

What is the Difference Between Fully Remote and Hybrid Working?

Fully Remote

In a fully remote setting, employees work entirely from a location outside the office, usually from home. There are no requirements to come into the office for meetings, training, or other activities.

Hybrid

Hybrid working is a more flexible approach where employees split their time between working from home and the office. The ratio can vary depending on the company’s policy—some may require two days in the office, while others might offer a more flexible arrangement.

Benefits of Working from Home

As an employer, there are many benefits to allowing your staff to work from home, either part-time or full-time. Here are just a few:

Increased Productivity

77% of remote workers say they’re more productive when working from home; this can be because employees often work longer hours from home, primarily because they save time on commuting. This extra time can be channelled into productive work, leading to increased output without a drop in quality.

A Happier Workforce

The flexibility to work from home can significantly improve work-life balance, contributing to a happier and more satisfied workforce. This positive atmosphere can be infectious, improving team morale and overall company culture.

Shows Confidence in Your Staff

Allowing your team to work remotely is a strong indicator of trust. It shows that you believe in their ability to manage their time effectively and produce quality work, even when not directly supervised.

Higher Staff Retention

The modern job seeker is not just looking at the salary anymore; work-life balance has become a critical factor. Offering remote or hybrid work can make your company more attractive, leading to higher staff retention rates.

The Ability to Attract Experienced Candidates

Remote and hybrid work models expand the talent pool beyond your local area, meaning you can attract highly experienced candidates who may not be available locally, thereby elevating the quality of your workforce.

Potential Downsides of Remote Work for Employers

While remote work offers numerous advantages, it can have its challenges, particularly from an employer’s perspective. Employers should consider potential downsides when contemplating a remote or hybrid work model.

Reduced Team Building

One of the most significant drawbacks of remote work is the potential for reduced team cohesion. The lack of face-to-face interactions can make building strong relationships among team members difficult.

Security Concerns

Remote work can pose a risk to data security. Employees accessing company data from various locations can expose the organisation to potential breaches if proper security measures are not in place.

Risk of Employee Isolation

Working remotely can lead to feelings of isolation among employees, which can, in turn, affect their mental well-being and productivity. 

Considerations for Employers

Flexibility in Scheduling

If your office typically operates on a half-day on Fridays, consider allowing employees to work from home to save them the hassle of commuting for just a few hours of work.

Flexibility isn’t just about your employees’ location but can also be in time. If they have young children, consider offering them the same full-time hours over a shorter time frame.

Empower Your Workers

Trust is a two-way street. By showing that you trust your employees to work remotely, you empower them to take ownership of their tasks, which can lead to increased loyalty and better performance.If you want to find your next hire or know more about the current job market, our specialist recruiters are available to help. Call us on 01242 505 400 or email us at hello@rerecruitment.com, and a recruiter will be able to guide you through the recruitment market.