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Hybrid Work Teams – Part I -What Are Hybrid Teams

In this first article of a three-part series, we’re going to explore what a hybrid work team is along with some of the benefits of working in or with a hybrid team.

What is a Hybrid Team?

A hybrid team is a work structure where some employees work from home and others work from a central location such as an office.   Many of the employees on hybrid teams choose to alternate between home and the office. This structure can also mean that employees work flexible hours instead of sticking to the typical nine-to-five schedule.  This can be useful when you have employees spread across the country or around the world. Essentially, employees get to choose how, when, and where they work.

While this seems an unconventional way to structure a company, hybrid team models are on the rise.

Why use hybrid teams?

Four main reasons why a hybrid team model is worth considering.

Higher productivity

According to Facility Executive, 45% of employees who have a flexible hybrid schedule have reported an increase in productivity and creativity. They reported better communication and innovation with colleagues.  With 60% of those who get to choose where, how, and when they work have reporting that they are more engaged in their work, hybrid teams are being viewed as very successful.

Stronger Work Relationships

A hybrid team builds stronger work relationships. This advantage is mainly due to the fact that all employees are easily accessible, including the top executives (Flex Jobs). These hybrid teams eliminate the skyscrapers with executives who don’t interact with the people on the floors below them.

Greater Talent Pool

The willingness to move to a hybrid team model means that businesses are no longer constrained by geography and can search nationwide, or worldwide, for the talent they need. In 2021, 54% of companies reported difficulty in hiring and retaining eligible employees (Office Space Software). Moving to a hybrid team model not only increases opportunities for finding the right employee, it also increases employee satisfaction and retention, which we will discuss in a future article.

Improved Employee Wellness

Reports have shown that since the pandemic, mental health in the workplace has dropped by 27%. However, with a more flexible work schedule and locations, 60% of hybrid employees report their mental health is good. Interestingly, the hybrid team model has better mental health reports than the fully remote model.

Hybrid Team vs. Fully Remote

Considering the benefits of a hybrid team model, some businesses might also consider implementing a fully remote team model. While going fully remote does have some advantages, many experts suggest that a hybrid model is superior when it comes to interpersonal connectivity (actiTime). Having a centralized workplace to gather and collaborate increases positive work relationships, creates a healthy work environment, and encourages team bonding. Planning social events outside of work also help achieve those ends. In addition, only 55% of people working entirely from home report good mental health (Vmaker).

In the next article in this series, we’ll explore who’s using the hybrid team model, the technology that supports it, and how to decide if it’s the right model for your business.

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