By Tabir Rakhshinda Hussein
The traditional notion of full-time office work is quickly becoming obsolete. Factors like the digital revolution and the global pandemic have accelerated this shift in how we perceive and approach work. In a recent revelation, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global IT and consulting giant, reported an attrition rate of 20.1% in its latest annual report. This was linked to TCS’s decision to end its permanent work from home policy. TCS now plans to move towards a structured hybrid model by 2025.
Hybrid work models have gained significant popularity and are considered the preferred option for many companies. According to a global survey by Poly, 72% of the surveyed companies reported an increase in productivity after adopting a hybrid work model. The benefits of such work models are clear — reduced commute time, flexibility, higher retention rates, and cost savings for employers. Although there are concerns about mentoring, innovation, and company culture, the trend towards increased remote work seems set to continue.
The Popularity of Remote Work
Advances in technology, coupled with the realisation that employees can be productive from anywhere, have enabled organisations to embrace remote work arrangements. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, forcing companies to adopt remote work as a necessity. Over time, both employers and employees have realised that with the right tools and technologies, teams can collaborate effectively and maintain productivity without the need for a centralised office.
Hybrid work models combining remote and in-office work have shown increased productivity of employees. Companies are slowly moving towards adopting a flexible and hybrid work model for the numerous advantages it offers.
- A more balanced work-life integration: Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, enable individuals to prioritise their personal commitments while still meeting work expectations. This integration fosters employee well-being, satisfaction, and ultimately, higher productivity levels. As a result, companies are increasingly embracing flexible work policies to attract and retain top talent.
- Emphasis on results, not presenteeism: Modern workplaces are transitioning towards a results-oriented culture. Instead of counting hours spent at a desk, organisations are prioritising outcomes and measuring performance based on deliverables. This shift empowers employees to work in ways that suit their strengths and preferences, leading to increased motivation, innovation, and efficiency.
- Backing of collaboration tools and technology: Advancements in collaboration tools and technology have not only made remote work possible but have also improved efficiency and communication in traditional office settings. With real-time document sharing and seamless communication channels, employees can effectively collaborate, regardless of their physical location.
- Cost-effective and sustainable solution: Maintaining a physical office space is expensive. It includes costs related to rent, utilities, and maintenance. Companies can significantly reduce these overheads by adopting remote work or hybrid models. Additionally, remote work contributes to a more sustainable future. It reduces commuting and office-related carbon emissions, positively impacting the environment.
- High retention rates and access to a broader talent pool: Employers can increase retention rates by offering their employees flexible work options that make them feel secure and comfortable in their work lives. A flexible work system allows companies to take advantage of a larger talent pool without being constrained by geographical requirements. This means any company can hire talent from any corner of the country as per their requirement and need, and not based on the location.
Keeping the balance between company culture and employee satisfaction
In remote or hybrid work models, in-person interaction – a crucial part of work culture – may be missed. Even though remote working is the preferred method for the current generation, to build stronger collaboration among employees, companies must facilitate in-person meetings for them.
Companies could consider organising regular meetups and face-to-face collaborations. Collaborative team sessions, workcations, meetups, etc., could be conducted once every month or two. These help employees know their team members personally and assist in better collaboration.
With the rise of co-working spaces, companies can also look at facilitating regular meetings in particular geographical locations where they have a group of employees. Regional hubs can be set up for employees who want to meet and work together regularly for better collaboration in particular geographical locations.
Hybrid working is here to stay
The era of full-time office work is fading away as society adapts to new work models that prioritise flexibility, work-life integration, and results-driven approaches. Remote work, work-life balance, outcome-based performance, collaboration tools, and cost-effective solutions have all contributed to the decline of traditional office work. As we move forward, it is crucial for companies and individuals to embrace these changes and leverage the benefits they offer. By doing so, we can create a more productive, inclusive, and sustainable work environment for the future.
The author is head, Internal Operations, Leegality
