Hybrid Working: The Best of Both Worlds

By Tom Skinner, MD for London digital marketing agency Go Up.

When 5.7 million people were forced to work remotely during the start of the pandemic, many realised the glorified goal of the ‘perfect work-life balance’ was much more achievable. They were able to maintain their schedule of work and meetings, all the while being able to fit in an afternoon workout or batch-make a lasagna.

However, as the lockdown ended, offices began to open again. Although working in the office suits many well, for those who felt working from home allowed them to thrive in their professional and home life in a new way, returning to the workplace full-time wasn’t going to work.

Luckily, there is a best-of-both-worlds approach: hybrid working. Instead of making employees come to the office every day, this approach is about encouraging employees to decide what environment best works for them to produce their best work. In light of this, 84% of UK employers now offer hybrid working.

At Go Up, we have always given our employees the option of choosing where they work, and will continue to do so. We implement one agency-wide office day each week and designate a day for separate departments to travel into the office. What are some of the main benefits of this approach?

Improves wellbeing

Since Covid-19 had us spending day after day indoors, some totally alone and isolated, maintaining good mental health has become an important factor for working professionals.

One study found that little face-to-face social contact almost doubles your risk of having depression two years later, meaning that being able to go to the office and see people face-to-face can massively improve your wellbeing.

In fact, the Office for National Statistics reports that almost half (47%) of professionals feel that having the option to work from home or in the office has had a positive impact on their mental health.

Helps the planet

Hybrid working is also beneficial for the environment. As many of us no longer have to travel to work every day, we reduce the carbon footprint involved with commuting. Moreover, levels of office energy consumption have lowered, with fewer employees in the office.

At Go Up, we champion sustainability in various ways, from becoming a plant-based team with only vegan-friendly options in the office, to working with clients who have strong environmental and social credentials. So if hybrid working reduces our footprint, we’re all in.

Saves companies and employees money

Businesses like ours have seen a reduction in overhead costs after introducing hybrid working for employees, with 43% of companies reporting a decrease in office bills including electricity and supplies, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Professionals are also spending less on fuel or train tickets, allowing them to save money on a weekly basis. Research carried out by the UK government has found those working from home where possible were saving between £35.47 and £57.78 a week on travel costs. In light of the current cost of living crisis, where food and fuel prices have grown, being able to save money in this way is essential.

Helps employees thrive

Microsoft’s Work Trend Report 2021 found those within Gen Z were struggling more than other generations with remote working, including feeling less confident to bring new ideas to the table or speak out in meetings generally. Without the social cues that come with speaking face-to-face with others, the ability to ask questions and for guidance may feel more daunting when done online compared to in the office.

As part of Go Up’s graduate scheme, we onboard new employees both online and in-person to help kick start their careers in digital marketing. Therefore, offering the right atmosphere for new staff members to feel confident and learn in is a key reason for providing hybrid working.

Boosts company culture

Here at Go Up, our culture is a big part of why we’re successful. Based on transparency, teamwork and an ethos of “doing good work with good people for good people”, our employees are given the freedom to be the best version of themselves and work in tandem with one another.

However, we felt that this was a little lost during the pandemic. While chatting over Zoom or Slack has its benefits, this is no replacement for face-to-face interaction. I’m not just referring to more formal meetings here either. Whether it’s eating lunch together or going for drinks after work, spending time with your colleagues is crucial for building relationships and helping to develop a community, something that is essential for maintaining our – or indeed any – company culture.

Reduces illness

As a father of a one-year-old just starting at nursery, hybrid working has been a saviour due to the fact that just about every type of cold, cough and splutter seems to infiltrate our household on a weekly basis.

Especially since the pandemic, where it became apparent just how easily diseases spread, we have all become a lot more conscious around hygiene. Staying home can be the difference between one person being sick and the whole team getting ill, making hybrid working a great way of reducing illness. Employees no longer feel like they have to come to work no matter what, with much more flexibility than before.

Final thoughts

Each business will have its own take on hybrid working, and there isn’t a right or wrong way to implement this model. However, I think its inherent flexibility is another advantage of hybrid working, seeing as every company works differently. This approach allows businesses to find what works best for them.

Why has hybrid working become so popular?