The workforce is changing so rapidly. The pandemic changed everything in March of 2020 when the world shut down and companies with non-essential workers had to send their entire workforce home. Now, that the world is opening up, things are shifting in a major way again. Companies are deciding whether to go back to the office, employees are deciding if it’s time to switch jobs, and as a response to that, companies are trying out a new form of work called hybrid workplaces

What are hybrid workplaces and what do they mean to you?

Hybrid workplace is really one of three things:

1. A workplace that allows employees to have hybrid work schedules, also known as flexible work schedules. In this instance, you may work in the office 1-4 days/week and from home the rest of the time.
2. A workplace where some employees work remotely and some work in the office. There are departments that need to be in office to maximize productivity and even space. Product testing is an example.
3. A workplace that’s a combination of the two above.

What hybrid workplaces mean to you really depends:

• Is your company planning to move to a hybrid model? If you’re hearing musings that your company is moving to a hybrid model there are a few things you should consider:
  • Are they giving you a flexible plan or sending you to the office? Make sure your manager is clearly defining the guidelines around who gets to work remotely, who doesn’t, and why.
  • If they’re giving you a flexplan or allowing you to stay fully remote, how are they going to support you in growing your career? If some people are able to get face time with the boss and you’re remote, you may not get the same level of support if there is no plan in place
  • You don’t have to jump ship immediately if you’re getting a hybrid work plan. Let this be your entry into the remote work world.
• The same above applies for jobs you’re finding that have a hybrid model
• This could be a great time to consider proposing remote work to your boss. If they’re currently in talks about what they’re going to do, take advantage of the fact that the conversations are happening and get a headstart on making a case to be fully remote.