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Discover This Month – May 2023

Hybrid working offers many benefits for employers and employees alike. We believe that this model of work is here to stay and recommend that companies start exploring ways to incorporate hybrid work arrangements into their operations, if they haven’t already.

It’s a fact that many candidates put this at the top of the list when they are considering a new role, some won’t consider the job that doesn’t offer a level of flexibility.

As recruiters we know the value in offering a hybrid arrangement but many organisations and companies are still dragging their heels in offering alternative ways of working.

Some workplaces can’t accommodate this option but it’s time for employers to see hybrid working as the norm.

 

Read further….

Hybrid is here to stay

As recruiters we feel hybrid working is here to stay. We base this on the multiple interviews and candidate conversations we have had in the past 18 months and here are the main reasons why:

 

  • Increased Flexibility: Hybrid working offers employees greater flexibility. They can choose to work from home or come into the office as needed. This flexibility allows employees to better balance their work and personal lives, resulting in increased job satisfaction and productivity.
  • Attracting and Retaining Talent: Hybrid working is a very attractive proposition for job seekers. Many candidates prioritise the ability to work remotely, offering this option can help you attract top talent. Moreover, companies that offer hybrid work arrangements are likely to retain employees for longer periods as they enjoy the benefits of increased flexibility.
  • Reduced Overhead Costs: Hybrid working can help reduce overhead costs for companies. With fewer employees coming into the office, businesses can reduce their real estate costs, energy consumption, and other expenses associated with maintaining a large office.
  • Improved Productivity: Research suggests that hybrid working can improve productivity. Employees are more likely to be productive when they have control over their work environment. This control is especially relevant for those who work remotely and can customise their workspace according to their preferences.
  • Greater Inclusivity: Hybrid working can make workplaces more inclusive. Remote work allows employees with disabilities or those living in remote areas to participate fully in the workplace. It can also help reduce biases that may arise in a traditional office setting. 
  • Ability to remunerate better: By cost saving on large office space and facilities the ability to offer better remuneration may become a reality as costs are decreased.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, hybrid working is essential to future-proofing your business.

Companies that fail to embrace hybrid work arrangements may struggle to compete with those that do, as they will not be able to attract and retain top talent or provide the flexibility that modern workers demand. If your business is not one that can easily offer hybrid working there are other benefits to employees that you can consider offering, such as:

  • Flexible start and finish times
  • Training and further education options 
  • Offering more family or carers days as leave options
  • Subscriptions to software that may streamline tasks and making working life easier
  • Wellness and wellbeing programs
  • Team lunches or social events

Productivity Improves

Hybrid working has been shown to increase productivity in several ways.

Firstly, when employees work from home, they have greater control over their work environment. They can customise their workspace to suit their preferences, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity. By personalising their workspace to their preferences, workers are able to work in a manner that is most conducive to their productivity.

For instance, some individuals thrive in silence, while others may require some ambient background noise to focus optimally this can be managed by the employee as they need without impacting others.

Secondly, hybrid working can reduce distractions, a standard challenge in office settings. Interruptions from colleagues, phone calls or meetings, can impact their concentration and workflow. However, by working remotely, employees can reduce many of these potential interruptions and concentrate more fully on their work.

Thirdly, hybrid work models have the potential to facilitate better work-life balance. Commuting time, a major stressor for many workers can be avoided or reduced, freeing up time for other activities, such as exercise or spending time with family. Additionally, they can optimise their productivity by working during their most productive hours, whether early morning or evening, without being hindered by commuting constraints.

It is often the case that when employees work in a hybrid arrangement they do more hours work and check emails more frequently than in the office. 

Lastly, hybrid models offer employees greater flexibility, resulting in enhanced job satisfaction and productivity. For instance, a worker who needs to attend to their child’s needs during the day can still be productive by working from home later in the day and making up the time. 

If you are not yet currently offering a hybrid working arrangement, look at the research and look at your organisation and make a plan to consider offering some flexibility at work it will lead to better employees, happier workers and most importantly better productivity for your organisation. 

“Hybrid working is crucial for businesses that want to stay ahead of the curve. By offering hybrid work arrangements, companies can increase workflow and output, reduce expenses, and attract and retain the team they want. Now is the time to embrace the future of work and start implementing hybrid work arrangements in your business.”

Message from the CEO

When employers brief us on a new role, we always broach the possibility of hybrid working; assuming that the organisation and the work produced can facilitate that arrangement. Some are happy to be flexible and open about these options; while others have a more traditional mindset that distrusts the concept of remote work.

We find that recruiting and finding great talent is far easier for organisations that are open to and flexible about hybrid working arrangements. Candidates sense that a lack of initial flexibility on the part of the employer is unlikely to improve over time.

In many cases, it’s difficult to place an exceptional candidate into these types of companies and it’s challenging for employers to comprehend the reasons behind these difficulties.

We recognise that change can be daunting, and it’s worth noting that the conversation we’re having here excludes training requirements and team-building events, as there are instances where employees must work together physically. However, we’re focused on the long-term options that hybrid work offers.

If your business is considering transitioning to hybrid work arrangements and implementing new policies, we would be delighted to work with you and offer our expertise to guide you.

 

As always, at Recruitment Central we’re always here to offer you our expertise and guidance. We understand the industry, and we know how to locate skilled individuals who can bring value to your business.

When you’re ready to hire your next team member, we invite you to contact our team at Recruitment Central. Let us demonstrate our skills and show you what we can do to help you find the perfect candidate.

Cheers

Sandra

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