Many employees are currently experiencing a hybrid working arrangement - half the week at home and half the week in the workplace. Pre-pandemic, it was likely the 'dream' for many employees to live and breathe this type of working pattern. However, is it really the best of both worlds in reality?
A recent study by the employee engagement platform Tinypulse found that more than 80% of people leaders reported that the current hybrid set up was exhausting for employees. Some report that it was more exhausting than full-time office based work. Constantly in a state of flux, employees currently have to adapt and switch their mindset to either home working or office working - sometimes two or three times a week.
If you look back to the pre-pandemic world, hybrid working was always inevitable and eventually would have made its way into our working lives. However, it would have been introduced gradually - maybe one day at home and four days in the workplace with the balance slowly adjusting as time went on. This approach would have allowed employees to climatise to such hybrid working arrangements in a way that suits them rather than being thrust into a permanent work from home arrangement (from working five days in the workplace) when the pandemic hit. Employees now are having to work their way back up to days in the office, which is harder than reaching a hybrid working arrangement the other way.
Employers will want to see their employees returning to the office more frequently now but they should be mindful of the effect hybrid working is having on employees' physical and mental wellbeing.
Disclaimer
This information is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. Please contact us for specific advice on your circumstances. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024.