How to Make the Hybrid Model Work for Your Business
One hallmark of the hybrid work model is flexibility—and finding the balance or right blend of in-office and work from home or remote work for your employees means having the right solutions to ensure a seamless transition. But first, let’s clarify the difference between the key terms: remote work vs working from home and why it matters.
Remote Work vs Working from Home: What’s the Difference & Why It Matters?
Let’s explore the differences between remote work and WFH, why businesses should switch from a temporary WFH mindset—and start thinking of WFH and remote work as more permanent solutions—and why it matters to your business.
But first, here’s a snapshot of the differences between working from home and remote work.
| Working From Home | Remote Work | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | ||
| Description | Any employee working outside of a physical office—but only from home. | Employees can work remotely from basically anywhere—from home, a café, a motel room, or another country. |
| Work Environment | ||
| Work Environment | A well-lit workstation that includes an ergonomic office chair, desk, computer, and excellent connection to the network. | Remote workers often have to create their own work environment and be able to work productively on the go. |
| Adaptability | ||
| Adaptability | It takes time for adjustment as it poses a significant change from an employee’s normal routine and pace of work. Some businesses also offer flexibility to pick and choose WFH days as needed. | Employees who work remotely often need a specific set of abilities, skills, and resources that allow them to work from anywhere. They need to be adaptable, proactive at communication, self-disciplined and have incredible time management skills. |
| Workspace Configuration | ||
| Workspace Configuration | Employees have a practical workstation to use—one that allows them to perform their day-to-day tasks unimpeded and communicate with other team members effectively. | Remote working offers a lot more freedom and flexibility—but this also means they don’t necessarily have the safety and security of a workspace, desk, and secure network connection to rely on. Employees themselves need to ensure they have it. |
| Key Advantage | ||
| Key Advantage | Many workplaces offer WFH as an option for employees to give them more freedom and flexibility to maintain their work-life balance, be productive, and work their best in an environment that meets their needs. | Employees have the freedom to create their own work environment and establish a work lifestyle that best suits them. |
Why Adopt a Permanent “WFH” or “Remote Work” Mindset?
Research shows that flexibility in terms of work hours and location is increasingly important for businesses to cater to—particularly for the millennial workforce. WFH or remote work opportunities promote greater work-life balance, increased productivity, loyalty, and work satisfaction.
According to research, reasons why WFH or remote work boosts employees’ productivity include:
Why “WFH” or “Remote Work” Models Matter to Companies Like Yours?
According to Gartner research, 48% of employees will work remotely at least some of the time in the post-pandemic world, compared with 30% before.
For companies looking to scale their business up (or down), hiring remote workers offers a lot of potential—while also lowering overhead and office costs. Offering employees the option to work remotely can open more possibilities in who you hire—as companies are not limiting their ability to find talented workers by geographical location. This also means that businesses would be more agile and have a more sustainable structure in the future—with minimum costs or setbacks when the next crisis strikes.
The Future of Work is Hybrid
Hybrid work is here to stay. Organisations should focus their attention on the agile worker experience whilst also covering the needs of the hybrid employee interacting with the corporate workplace by digitally enhancing the office collaboration spaces.
Designing the Future of Work with Ricoh Solutions
If you’re ready to take the next step and embrace the human-centric hybrid work environment, Ricoh can help support your transition. Through our innovative Hybrid workplace solutions, your organisation can make the switch as seamless as possible—helping you stay connected with your employees regardless of where they are.
Get in touch with us to discuss the possibilities Ricoh can offer your company today.
Let’s connect
Get in touch with one of our consultants and find out how we can help you create your hybrid workplace.
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