Hybrid Work Is Here to Stay. Here's Why

Hybrid work became a more popular work option as companies eased employees back into the office after the initial wave of COVID-19 sent many white-collar jobs home.

In fact, as of 2023, the bulk of jobs Insight Global gets to fill are hybrid positions with workers blending remote work days and in-office days in a variety of ways.

Pew Research also found that around 41% of the workforce that has the capability to work from home does so on a hybrid format—either some or most of the time. That’s an increase from January 2022, and that infrastructure helps to underscore a trend that hybrid work is not only being built for now, but is likely here to stay for the future.

Let’s dig into why hybrid work will stick around, as well as the benefits for employees and employers.

Quick Things to Know About the Hybrid Work Model

Hybrid work models offer employees flexibility through a combination of in-office and remote work. It looks different within each company with some employers asking staffers to work in-office one or two days a week, while others prefer employees in the office a majority of the typical week.

One study found that as many as nine out of 10 companies said they’d have employees work at least one day per week in the office.

For employees, a 2023 poll of nearly 19,000 recent graduates found that less than 10 percent wanted to work exclusively remotely, instead looking for in-person or hybrid roles.

But experts say that hybrid work is likely here to stay for two reasons—first, it benefits employees and employers and, second, it represents a cultural shift in how people work. Let’s dig into that a little more.

Benefits of Hybrid Work for Employees

Hybrid work benefits the personal and professional live of many employees. Of course, some individuals prefer to be in the office. But for those who like a hybrid options, here are some benefits they say they experience.

1. Better work-life balance

Employees cite things like flexibility in scheduling, increased productivity in a structured work setting, and efficient use of time to complete tasks within a 40-hour work week contributing to an improved work-life balance. About a quarter of employees indicate they’re “more likely to feel happy and productive in their roles” if given the chance to work remotely at least once a month, according to a study by Owl Labs.

2. Reduced costs of commuting

Commuting can be expensive, costing everyone time and money. Hybrid work can substantially reduce these commuting times to save money on travel expenses like fuel, parking, and tolls.

3. Flexibility

One of the most often cited benefits of hybrid work is its flexibility. Individuals can schedule doctor appointments or pick up kids from school during typical work hours, knowing they can complete work when they’re finished with those responsibilities.

4. More time for themselves

Lastly, hybrid work can allow employees more time for themselves. Gitnux found that 68 percent of employees believe hybrid work has improved their physical wellness when they have time for things like cooking meals, time with friends, exercising, and getting more quality sleep.

How Employers Can Benefit from Hybrid Work Models

Before you implement a hybrid work plan, make sure employees understand why it’s valuable they come into the office. Here are a few benefits companies can experience by implementing or maintaining a hybrid work model.

1. Improved employee satisfaction

Hybrid work offers a happy medium so employees can return to the office but not give up complete flexibility. The initiative shows good faith and increases satisfaction with their work and the company, ultimately increasing employee retention. According to the International Workplace Group (IWG), HR leaders overwhelmingly believe hybrid work can be used as a good recruiting and retention tool.

2. Operating cost reductions

Hybrid or remote work can be more cost-effective, depending on your business. To have all employees in the office, you need real estate, office supplies, utilities, and maintenance services five days a week. If conducted properly, the hybrid model can reduce operating costs, which is a substantial budgetary benefit.

3. Increased productivity

An employee’s work environment impacts their productivity. Work-from-home office spaces allow employees to make their office their own and more conducive to work. At the same time, in-office experience can increase collaboration and communication among team members. (We’ll get into this a little more in a moment.) All of these can improve an employee’s outcomes at work while also doing so more efficiently.

4. Enhances team and cross-functional communication and collaboration

The hybrid work model has taught us that you no longer must be in the same room to collaborate—it can be done virtually anywhere, with all employees across all platforms. While in-person time is still valuable, the hyrbid model encourages employees to keep communication constant both in-person and virtually. On the flip side, in-person interactions with co-workers help build trust among employees, and it gives opportunities to learn from and interact with employees you otherwise wouldn’t.

Are You Looking to Fill Hybrid Roles?

We know that more and more companies are looking for hybrid workers. Building a team with local talent is important to doing that. Insight Global has a presence in over 70 metro markets in North America, and we can help you hire talent that fits your team’s needs.