Remote work is part of a rapidly evolving work culture, and flexibility is increasingly becoming more prevalent. We researched some of the top trends among companies that have adopted remote and hybrid work models and are sharing a few of them with you. But first…
…What is the difference between hybrid and remote work?
Remote Work:
In this model, employees perform their duties outside the office, typically from home, a café, or a coworking space. There is no obligation to go to the office, and all activities and interactions are conducted online.
Hybrid Work:
This is a combination of remote and in-office work. Employees have the flexibility to work some days of the week in the office and other days from home or a coworking space, for example. This allows for a balance between face-to-face interactions and the convenience of remote work.
What are the main trends in hybrid and remote work?
Normalization of Remote Work Across Various Fields
Before the pandemic, remote work was not common in the corporate world and was limited to a small group of disruptive companies, such as marketing and advertising agencies. Today, work remotely is no longer a taboo; instead, it meets the needs of a significant portion of the workforce. The pandemic simply accelerated this shift, making organizations and employees more receptive to new ways to work. Last year, Forbes published an article with some statistical data on trends and the future of remote work, and it’s worth checking out.
Flexibility as a Priority
Professionals value flexibility because it enhances productivity and employee satisfaction. Within a company, there are diverse profiles: some people are more productive in the morning, others in the afternoon, some at home, and others in the office.
Technology as an Enabler
The number of technologies launched in recent months to enhance remote work is growing. These include software, websites, and apps designed to improve communication, organization, productivity, project management, and other needs. We will discuss this further in our upcoming article. This suite of tools allows teams to work on projects regardless of each member’s geographical location.
Work-Life Balance
Remote work is the ideal mode for balancing career and personal life, especially for parents, caregivers, and those with special needs. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of promoting this balance. Since the pandemic, many managers have shifted to evaluating productivity based on task completion, deadlines, and project quality, rather than the time spent at work. This trend is particularly beneficial for those who need to take several breaks throughout the day or handle personal matters without compromising work performance.
More Efficient Communication
Before the pandemic, in-person meetings were almost the only way to align projects, perspectives, and decisions with teams—unless everything was deliberated via email. Nowadays, asynchronous communication is more common in remote and hybrid work. It offers advantages such as greater flexibility for teams in different time zones, better response quality, and increased productivity due to fewer interruptions. However, asynchronous communication can be challenging for those accustomed to real-time interactions. Consequently, companies are adopting various methods to keep employees connected.
Focus on Cybersecurity
As new ways of work advances, employers need to pay close attention to security. Companies are providing protection against virtual threats and more training to empower employees regarding sensitive data leaks.
Reevaluation of Office Spaces
Cubicles and office layouts are being adapted to fit new hybrid work models. The focus is now on creating shared, inspiring environments that promote employee well-being and, consequently, increased productivity.
Increased Remote Hiring
Employers are hiring talent from around the world, which means they are not limited to a specific area. This expands the pool of qualified personnel for more clients and provides a richer cultural exchange for the company and its teams.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Reducing travel and optimizing the use of physical assets are some benefits of remote work. Companies are embracing the need to take care of the environment in their operations. After all, Earth is our only home, and we all need to take good care of it.
Conclusion: Organizations that seek to implement the main trends, will have better chances of success. What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments.
Read also: 13 must-have tools for remote work
