Well, if the pandemic taught us anything, it’s this: we can work remotely and be just as effective. Some jobs, obviously, take place in person, but for vast swaths of the employment landscape, remote work became the norm. Companies were hitting their numbers, despite having entire workforces being remote. In fact, many corporations closed large offices permanently – downsizing their commercial real estate space in lieu of working remotely. But there are the holdouts. The ones that say that we’re more productive when we’re in the office. More collaborative. There’s more energy and better interpersonal connections with our coworkers by being in the office.

Whatever side of the aisle you’re on – whether you’re team return to office (RTO) or team work from home (WFH) – there are definitely strong opinions on both sides. That’s why many corporations have turned to the Hybrid Model. Working from home a few days, and in the office a few days. As Connecticut’s leader in flexible office space, we’re here to hash it out… what we love and what we hate about hybrid working.

Three Things We Love About Working Hybrid:

1. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance:
Employees have the freedom to choose when and where they work, allowing them to better balance their personal and professional lives. Whether it's avoiding rush hour traffic by working from home or taking advantage of a sunny day by working in a local park, the ability to tailor their work environment to their needs can significantly improve overall well-being.

2. Increased Productivity and Focus:
By providing a choice between working remotely or in the office, employees can select the environment that best suits their individual work style. Some individuals thrive in a quiet and distraction-free space, while others may find inspiration and motivation from collaborating with colleagues in person. The hybrid work model allows employees to optimize their work environment, leading to improved concentration, creativity, and productivity.

3. Enhanced Collaboration and Connection:
While remote work offers its own set of advantages, it's undeniable that in-person interactions foster stronger relationships and collaboration. The hybrid work model strikes a balance by providing the opportunity for face-to-face collaboration while still allowing for remote work flexibility. In-person meetings, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities can be scheduled around the team’s in-office schedule.

Three Things We Hate About Working Hybrid:

1. Blurred Boundaries between Work and Personal Life:
Not everyone who works from home has the luxury of an office with a door. Without the physical separation of a traditional office, it becomes easier for work to spill over into evenings, weekends, or vacation time. Plus, working from home may make it challenging to switch off from work mentally, as the physical space used for relaxation and leisure also doubles as the workspace.

2. Communication and Collaboration Challenges:
When team members are working from different locations (or different time zones), it can be more difficult to maintain effective communication channels. Remote workers may face technological barriers, such as unreliable internet connections or difficulty accessing important documents or systems. (Email? Text? Intranet? Slack? Zoom? Teams?) Plus, in-person employees may find it frustrating to be in the office – and still need to dial-in to speak to remote team members. (Isn’t the point of coming into the office to get off Zoom calls?)

3. Feelings of Isolation and Reduced Social Interaction:
Working remotely means spending extended periods without direct human contact, which can be detrimental to an individual's well-being. The absence of in-person interactions and the camaraderie that comes from working side by side with colleagues can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Virtual communication tools can help bridge the gap, but they cannot fully replicate the benefits of face-to-face interactions.

So, which side are you on? If you’re craving a quiet office with a door, our flexible office spaces can be rented hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. And if you’re looking for a place that’s bustling with other like-minded professionals, you can find that at Sobon & Associates, too. Conveniently located at the junction of route 84 and 691 in Cheshire, we’ve been proudly serving the Connecticut and surrounding areas for 34 years.