From Remote to Hybrid: Getting things right!

By Srijith KN

Before, instead of working from home, we used to bring home to work, but during the pandemic, remote work became a necessity, and companies had no option but to offer it as a norm to protect people from the virus.

 Covid was a massive social experiment under unique conditions. Most of us were productive because we were in survival mode. For younger and new workers who joined the company during the pandemic, it would have been troublesome, finding it hard to learn the nature of remote work and understand the company culture. Regular catch-up calls with teammates and managers became a norm, which were essential for staying connected. The reason for the smooth transition to remote work was due to technological advancements and the high level of connectivity provided by companies and governments worldwide. Now, the question arises: what is the future of work?

The changing nature of work has been turbulent; hence, we need to discuss it. Work from home is the fundamental shift that occurred during the pandemic, and we are transitioning to another normal – the hybrid work culture. There was a study conducted on the effects of office commutes on people. Commuting often causes more stress than the work itself, especially dealing with traffic congestion and overcrowded public transport.

Today, companies have been contemplating the future of work, making this topic intriguing. We are all aware that nothing works all the time. Even during the pandemic, there were industries and people who had no option but to work on-site, such as those in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, who helped navigate through tough times. Not all industries can fully adopt the hybrid work model.

Data worldwide shows an increase in people’s working hours, making it harder to maintain work-life boundaries. Economist data reveals that parents of school-age children experienced more stress. However, the experience varied among individuals, depending on the tasks they were trying to accomplish.

As of 2024, full-time remote work has decreased, with many opting for a combination of remote and office work, seeking flexibility. This poses a major challenge for company owners and top-level executives. They need to consider various aspects of their company, such as security, collaboration, and networking architecture.

Creating a consistent and compelling hybrid work experience is vital for both employee and organizational value propositions. Recognizing the perception of remote work versus office work and being intentional about it can significantly improve our lives. And the current work landscape provides more choices than ever before in the history of human labor.