In 2020, remote work became the norm for businesses and workers nationwide, after spending decades as an optional, but rarely opted for, alternative to in-office work. Now that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the COVID-19 virus, what can businesses expect in a post-pandemic world? Will workforces continue to operate remotely, or will we see a return to customary office work?
In 2020, remote work became the norm for businesses and workers nationwide, after spending decades as an optional, but rarely opted for, alternative to in-office work. Now that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the COVID-19 virus, what can businesses expect in a post-pandemic world? Will workforces continue to operate remotely, or will we see a return to customary office work?
Why not both?
Welcome to the New World of the Hybrid Workforce
A hybrid workforce is one wherein employees spend some time working from home and some working in the office. Within those parameters, there are numerous ways the home/office split can be made. Some workers may commute to the office multiple days each week and work from home the rest, or a company’s roster could consist of a regular cadre of office workers with other employees who are remote. Or any combination of the two, depending on what works best for each company’s needs and workflows.
Service-based businesses are uniquely suited to a hybrid work environment. Despite the transition of many services to digital, businesses that focus on specialty professional services will continue to see some need for in-person services at some locations for the foreseeable future. This combination allows forward-thinking business owners to help lead the way in adopting (and adapting to) the workforce of the future.
Why You Need to Plan for a Hybrid Environment
If you’re not already considering how a hybrid workforce will fit your plans moving forward, take note of these statistics. In a September 2020 study, FlexJobs found that 65% of respondents want to remain working remotely full-time, while 31% prefer a hybrid environment.
As early as last summer, it seemed clear that the status quo had changed for good. In July 2020, both Gartner and PwC conducted separate surveys of executives on this topic. Gartner found that 80% of companies are planning for remote work at least part of the time post-pandemic, with 47% planning for full-time remote work. The PwC survey showed that 78% of CEOs agree that working remotely in some aspect is here to stay.
But no one expects you to follow the crowd just because “everyone else is doing it.” The big question is whether hybrid work offers benefits to your company. Survey says: “Yes!” Hybrid work is good for business in multiple ways.
Remote workers are more productive. Global Workplace Analytics found that remote workers are 35% more productive than their in-office counterparts. Note that businesses lose $600 billion a year to workplace distractions, and it’s easy to see the advantages of a workforce that spends less time “at the office.”
Beyond that, a joint study by CNBC and SurveyMonkey found that employees who work from home at least part of the time are more satisfied than fully in-office workers, with a Workforce Happiness Index of 75 out of 100 when working from home, compared to 71 when in-office. Additionally, 81% of respondents told FlexJobs they would be more loyal to an employer who gave them flexible working options.
Lastly, a hybrid work environment can save money in other ways. Operating an office is expensive. Companies have seen considerable savings on real estate by moving some workers out of office. IBM and Sun Microsystems slashed costs by $50 and $68 million per year, respectively. Dow Chemical saw 30% savings on non-real estate expenses. In fact, the average savings per employee per year is $10,000.
A Strong Hybrid Workforce Starts with Technology
So when it comes to planning for a hybrid workforce, where do you start? That’s where a good I.T. partner is invaluable. Technology is crucial to making your hybrid environment a success. From equipping workers with the best tools for collaboration to setting up conference rooms with high-quality audiovisual equipment to make hybrid meetings a success, all the way through bolstering cybersecurity and ensuring that your data stays safe, technology is fundamental to making this new hybrid world a reality.
It may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. JMARK has operated with hybrid staff for quite a few years. We’ve built a strong track record of success in putting that knowledge into helping businesses launch stable, productive hybrid environments of their own, including at the height of the pandemic last summer. With the right plan and a proven process, it can be easy for you to start creating your ideal work environment and nurturing your hybrid culture even as you address ongoing objectives and goals. A hybrid workforce is the future, and we can help you bring the future into your offices, as well as the homes of your employees.
To see how JMARK’s hybrid work solutions can empower your employees and boost your business, call 844-44-JMARK.
Ask about Connexus, our cutting-edge video conference system built to bring harmony and clarity to your meetings; find out how Workplace from Facebook helped our culture grow stronger than ever in 2020; and discover how our award-winning Security Advanced solution protects our clients from today’s biggest cybersecurity threats.
