Are you already working hybrid?
Hybrid working is becoming increasingly common and is starting to become the norm. Especially during the coronavirus crisis, both employees and employers have experienced the benefits of hybrid working. But what exactly does hybrid working mean, and are there disadvantages in addition to the advantages? In this article, we have summarised all the details for you.
What is hybrid working?
Hybrid working means that as an employee, you have the freedom to flexibly choose where you work. This can take place in the office, at home, or in another environment such as a café. The type of work is decisive when choosing the work location.
With hybrid working, employees also have the option to work elsewhere for part of the day and in the office for the other part. This way, for example, you can work from home in the morning to avoid the morning rush hour and be in the office in the afternoon to work on a project or attend meetings with colleagues.
The advantages of hybrid working
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Work-life balance
Thanks to the flexibility in workplace and working hours, tasks can be performed more efficiently, and work and private commitments can be combined more easily.
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More efficient working
Depending on their family and living situation, many people who work from home can concentrate better and work more efficiently, allowing them to get more done in less time. This ultimately also leads to increased performance.
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Job satisfaction
By being able to organise their working time and place as desired, this provides employees with more control, which can have a positive impact on job satisfaction and productivity.
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Sustainability
Reducing employee travel to the office or clients results in lower travel costs and reduced CO2 emissions, contributing to a more sustainable society.
The disadvantages of hybrid working
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Less contact with colleagues
Working from home can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. A lack of contact with colleagues can result in a lack of support when you are uncertain or facing important decisions.
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Blurred line between work and private life
It can happen that work and private life merge, resulting in longer working days. When the boundary between work and private life blurs, there can be a urge to overcompensate. This means that people tend to work more to justify themselves for handling private matters during working hours.
The Flexible Working Act
As an employee, you do not automatically have the right to work from home, but you can submit a request to your employer for a hybrid workplace based on the Flexible Working Act, which has been in force since 1 January 2016. Previously, employees could only submit a request for adjustment of working hours, but now it is also possible to submit requests for adjustment of working times and place of work.
Important to remember: this is only permitted if you have been employed for more than six months. The employer can only reject the request for hybrid working if significant business interests are at stake.
Tips for hybrid working
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Establish clear rules and agreements about when to be present and when not
Not only your workplace and working hours are important, but also how you collaborate with colleagues and clients. Is it possible to perform your work efficiently from home, and do processes still run smoothly? Consultation and coordination with your employer or manager are essential to achieve success.
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Ensure an ergonomic workplace at home too
Even when working from home, it is important to set up your workplace ergonomically.
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Create a good plan
A good plan increases productivity and also provides a clear overview of the tasks for that day. Additionally, you can focus better and avoid overworking due to the feeling of overcompensation, as mentioned earlier in this article.
