Hybrid Working: An Effective Move Towards Workplace Wellness
The switch to hybrid work that has taken place due to the covid-19 pandemic is a unique opportunity to rethink work, redefine the social contract, and explore new and better ways to work.
As per an Owl Labs survey, globally 16 per cent of all employees are working remotely, while 62 per cent choose hybrid work. Only 22 per cent of all employees work full-time in the office.
Another study by Accenture revealed that the "Productivity Anywhere" model is used by 63 per cent of high-growth companies. Hence, the year 2023 would finally welcome the four-day work week after years of longstanding convention.
Benefits of Hybrid Working
A Cisco study finds hybrid working, which has gained traction during the pandemic, isn't just about convenience, but it also builds an ecosystem that helps employees feel productive, flexible, and happy. Better work-life balance makes 82 per cent of employees worldwide happier.
Productivity Growth: Many employees feel that their work environment affects their productivity. This is why changing workspaces can lead to increased productivity in a mixed team, especially on single projects. Allowing employees to work from a location of their choice can eliminate distractions found in physical office spaces.
Skills Improvement: 91 per cent of employers and 81 per cent of employees believe that growth is essential to their productivity and overall performance. Employees who work part of the week at the office can use the rest of the time to hone their skills at home. This can lead to better job performance, higher self-esteem and faster growth within the company.
Work-life Balance: A LinkedIn study says, 86 per cent professionals believe hybrid work is necessary for a better work-life balance. About 48 per cent of respondents attributed this to the fact that they spend too much time on personal and professional goals. A hybrid worker has enough time for personal commitments, as the hybrid workplace balances remote work and the office.
Mental Wellness: The hybrid working model allows employees to spend more time with loved ones and more time to focus on health and the opportunity to take care of themselves. Employees can perform better in their roles when they are encouraged to take care of their mental health, which leads to increased productivity for the company.
New Wage Code
After presenting the New Wage Code in Union Budget 2021, the government of India launched the new labor codes in 2022 recognising the work-from-home structure that have been put in place amid the covid-19 pandemic.
Under these new rules, companies will be allowed to let their employees work for four days instead of five. In the case of companies that choose a 4-day workweek instead of a 5-day, employees will have to work 12 hours a day, instead of 8 hours, so that the total number of hours worked is not affected.
Some countries such as Spain, Japan, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and Iceland on a trial basis of the four-day work week, but they have reduced the number of hours worked per week.
