Most of us have been working from home since the outbreak of COVID-19.
As employees have learned to navigate their new work-from-home situations, companies have also been confronted with a learning curve—leading them to reassess their views on remote working.
Larger tech companies, like Slack and Twitter, have announced permanent remote working for their employees. Why mandate employees work in an office when they can just as easily get their work done from the comfort of their homes?
As the pandemic rages on, other companies continue to kickback their in-person working requirements.
Netflix, for example, has deemed work-from-home to have very little, if any, positive benefits for employees. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, co-chief executive of Netflix Inc., Reed Hastings said, “Not being able to get together in person, particularly internationally, is a pure negative” … “I don’t see any positives.”
Is it possible to have a happy medium between the two modes of working? Can an employee reap the benefits of being in-person with their staff partners and enjoy the comfort of working from home?
Perhaps, a hybrid work culture is the future. In this model, employees have the option to work in-person with their team when they deem necessary, and during other times, employees can work-from-home.
The hybrid model is being tossed around by many company leaders. Would a dedicated smaller in-person office offer employees the opportunity to meet in-person when necessary? And would giving employees the discretion to work remotely allow them more autonomy and flexibility? The answers to both of these questions seems obvious—yes.
It’s important to recognize that not every employee has the same work-from-home setup. Some have dedicated home offices that provide a barrier from their home-life. Others have to work in the midst of their partners and children—blurring the lines between work and home duties.
A hybrid model needs to account for everyone’s work-from-home situation and provide accommodations for those who need more privacy when working remotely.
All in all, there are pros and cons to going completely remote or completely in-person. However, a hybrid workplace model allows employees the flexibility of remote work and the connectivity of in-person work. One could argue it provides the best of both worlds.
If you could work fully remote, fully in-person, or in a hybrid model, which would you choose? Tweet @StarterNoise to tell us your thoughts.
Derek Rundell, is a successful business leader, operator, and serial entrepreneur. Derek has founded, managed and sold businesses in the technology, media and finance industries. He sits on several boards and serves as an advisor/investor to numerous established businesses and startups. Startups are Derek’s real passion, and in addition to building his own portfolio of technology, media and financial ventures, he invests in and mentors startups and entrepreneurs. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping other businesses succeed.