What is hybrid working?
Hybrid working is a new way of working that combines the advantages of a conventional office environment with those of mobile solutions. It allows employees to work in their own locations while using the same software and tools that are available in an office.
What to expect in this article
Hybrid working makes you freer
A clear advantage: An example of an office concept for fast communication and free work is the open-space office. (Photo: AdobeStock – Kirsten Davispeopleimages.com )
Hybrid working can be a very effective concept, as it allows companies to reduce costs by no longer being based on rentable office space. It also allows employees to work from anywhere without sacrificing productivity.
Hybrid work also allows companies to improve productivity by providing employees with more flexibility. This can be especially useful when employees work in different locations, as they are able to work at any time and from anywhere.
Hybrid work also offers companies the opportunity to create a work culture focused on communication and teamwork. This allows companies to better communicate and coordinate their employees.
Hybrid working is a great way for companies to reduce costs, improve productivity and create a work culture that promotes teamwork. If companies use this technology correctly, they can achieve some valuable benefits.
Table: Hybrid working models from flexible to static
| Place of work | Fix (9 to 5) | Partially flexible | Fully flexible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office first (less than 4 days of home office per month) |
Classic office | Semiflex Office | OWA: Office Work Anytime |
| Synchronous Hybrid | Synchronous | Semi-flex synchronous | nonsensical |
| Static Hybrid | Static | Semi-flex static | Fully flexible static |
| Fully flexible | WFA: Work from anywhere | Semiflex WFA | WFAA: Work from anywhere at anytime |
| Home Office first (less than 4 days of office per month) |
Home office “”9 to 5″” | Semiflex Home Office | Anytime Home Office |
What are the characteristics of these hybrid working models?
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Office first
There is rarely a home office. During working hours, employees can be found in the office at fixed times (classic model), partially flexible times (semiflex) or completely arbitrary times (OWA) in the company.
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Synchronous hybrid
It goes in an orderly manner: a plan records exactly on which days work is being done in the company and on which days in the home office. The working hours are fixed (synchronous) or partially flexible (semi-flexibly synchronous) regulated.
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Static hybrid
The employees decide whether they want to work in the home office or in the office in the company. However, there is movement in the working hours. These can vary from fully flexible to completely rigid.
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Fully flexible
WFA is the magic word. It says that you can work from any workplace. And employees are free to decide this every day. Working hours are regulated independently, depending on what is needed by the company. Fixed times (WFA) are just as possible here as a partially flexible classification or the “full chaos” with WFAA.
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Home office first
Working from home is the standard. Working hours, on the other hand, can be graded individually: from fixed (9 to 5) to fully flexible.
Modern office concepts
In today’s modern world of work, there are a number of concepts that help to improve productivity and comfort. Some of these concepts have been specially developed for the office in order to create a pleasant and efficient environment for employees.
The open-space concept
The open-space office is a frequently encountered example of modern office concepts. (Photo: AdobeStock – Petinovs)
One of the most popular modern office concepts is the open space concept. This concept allows employees to use the premises without having to tie themselves to a specific workplace. This allows you to move freely and work in different places. In addition, more interaction between employees is encouraged.
The activity-based working concept
Another modern office concept is the activity-based working concept. This concept is based on the principle that employees choose their workplace according to the activity in question. This means that you can do your work in the most convenient place for you. This concept gives employees more flexibility and allows them to give free rein to their creativity.
There is also the hot desk concept. This concept provides for employees to use a common workplace that is accessible to everyone. This allows for greater mobility and flexibility, as the workplace does not have to be occupied permanently.
The home office concept
Finally, there is also the home office concept. This concept allows employees to do their work from home. This allows you to do your work flexibly and at the same time save time and money.
Overall, these modern office concepts offer a number of advantages that make work more efficient and productive. They help employees to focus on their work and at the same time improve the comfort of their work.
Frequently asked questions about Hybrid Work
What does “hybrid work” mean?
Hybrid work refers to a hybrid form of physical work and remote work. It is a model in which employees work partly in the office and partly from home. Hybrid work allows companies to get the maximum benefit from the advantages of office work and remote work. This working model allows companies to create more flexible working conditions that support a better work-life balance and a higher level of productivity and commitment.
What is “open space”?
Open space is a type of meeting that creates a discussion-based environment in which participants can collaboratively develop ideas and solutions. It is a free and open atmosphere that allows participants to express themselves freely and give space to their thoughts. In contrast to other conference forms, an open space takes place in an open round in which each participant has one vote. The main focus is that all participants share their ideas and thoughts with each other and listen to each other. There is also the possibility of different groups working together on specific topics.
What modern office concepts are there?
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Open-space office
An open space where employees work together in groups.
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Activity Based Working (ABW)
An office concept in which employees can use different work areas, depending on the type of work they need to perform.
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Flexible workplaces
A concept in which employees can work in different places, e.g. at home, in the office or in a café.
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Smart Office
A concept in which technology and software are used to optimize the workflow.
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Coworking areas
Common spaces used by several companies to collaborate and network.
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Mobile work
A concept where employees can do their work on laptops and tablets while they are on the go.
