After the initial lockdown from the spread of COVID-19, remote/hyrbid jobs have been gaining popularity. Not only do these work models provide a safer return to working, but also provides a variety of benefits to the employee. Let’s explore deeper into the pros, as well as potential cons, of the remote/hybrid workplace.
Remote/Hybrid Working Positives
- Fully online jobs allow employees to have flexible schedules that they may be able to completely create on their own. This allows workers to find time that works best for them, while being able to enjoy hobbies that they may not have had the space for. When people spend time doing activities they enjoy, mental health goes way up. Activities can include exercise, being with loved ones, or having a self-care day.
- Employees can choose where they wish to work. This can improve performance as they may choose to work at a location where their productivity is highest. Hybrid workers also have the benefit of working wherever they want on the days they are not in office, thus decreasing stress and promoting productivity by being able to relax from wherever they are most comfortable.
- An example of a hybrid work model could look like this: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday are in office days, while the other days are remote. While there is a little less flexibility compared to fully online work, during the days that are remote, employees can schedule their work however they wish to. This means they can work at their favorite location, spend time with family or friends, and do activities that make them happy.
- Take time to relax! Many times employees find themselves working afterhours, such as checking and writing emails. This can cause more stress, as they are not fully unplugging when work is finished. It is important to have good time management skills and schedule work hours accordingly so that you can fully enjoy your time off.
- Taking breaks. A great positive of remote/hybrid work is that you are able to take as many breaks as you need. If work is getting too stressful, have an hour break to exercise, meditate, or eat a snack. Mental health is crucial to not only productivity, but also daily tasks. When work gets too tough, it takes a toll on one’s mind. Small tasks such as eating, waking up, or even showering can become difficult. This is why it is necessary to take care of yourself first. Once you make your health a priority, work and social life becomes easier. So if you find yourself stressing over your job, remember that with remote/hybrid work, you have the flexibility to take a break and refocus.
Remote/ Hybrid Working Negatives
While positives may appear to outweigh the cons, it is still important to take the downsides into consideration.
- Working completely remote can weaken social skills that are necessary for networking or creating opportunities to climb up the corporate ladder. Also, if time management is not a skill the employee possesses, it is easy to become distracted with other plans.
- Having a family should also be factored into the remote/hybrid work model. children, especially toddlers, can be potential problems in terms of getting work done. If they are constantly around while the employee is trying to work, productivity level goes down, and stress levels go up. Mental health then declines, as having to deal with children interferes with work and creates one giant headache.
- Of course, there are solutions. If working completely online, it would prove beneficial to hire a nanny to watch over the kids during your work hours. Another solution would be going to a café to do work while someone watches the kids at home.
The hybrid model has less negatives than completely remote. This is due to being in the office part of the time. Employees are still able to maintain social skills, while being able to enjoy their free time on days they are not in office. If kids are involved, the same solutions from working remotely apply here.
After going through the pros and cons, you have the freedom to choose whichever model is best for you. Make sure to factor in what kind of person you are. Are you responsible with time? Will you ensure that work comes before free time? Are you a person who needs to be in an office environment to do well? Hopefully this article was able to help you decide on which type of work environment ensures your success. Please feel free to leave feedback.
