As remote and hybrid working have become the new norm in a post-pandemic world, research by Hong Kong Productivity Council has canvassed opinions on the hybrid workplace model in the post-pandemic future of work among employers and employees in Hong Kong.
They found that the majority of employers and employees agree that hybrid work is feasible and foreseeable in the future, with approximately four in five (81%) employees who think a hybrid workplace model is realistic, while 62% of them have plans to implement it permanently.
Almost 93% of employee respondents believe hybrid work is achievable, with 72% preferring it to be their future mode of work. The report also found that 70% of employees would consider remote/hybrid work as an important factor for consideration in their future work.
Studies like this show that both corporations and the workforce see the value in a hybrid model of work, and the flexibility it offers.
What is a hybrid workplace model?
Hybrid work combines remote working such as working from home, public spaces, co-working spaces, and in-office working, where some or all employees have the freedom to choose where and when they work.
Learn more about the variety of hybrid workplace models.
Looking ahead, what does this mean for the role of the office? How do teams build social capital in a digital-first world?
From a relationship standpoint, 43% of leaders say relationship-building is one of the greatest challenges of hybrid work and stated that they have lost some of the social capital benefits that an in-person office brings.
Hybrid work requires more because a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work anymore. Employers need to plan with every employee in mind, using a mix of spaces. This includes using the right technology to accommodate hybrid meetings so everyone feels included and connected.
Microsoft found that 43% of employees who work remotely say they do not feel included in meetings, so companies should consider technology optimised for meeting equity such as Microsoft Teams Rooms, Google Meet, Slack, and other software that will go a long way in making a difference for employees.
WeWork offers businesses a flexible environment that fosters greater collaboration and productivity using the latest technology that makes a hybrid workplace more feasible. Learn more about WeWork’s unique coworking spaces.
Learn more about the future of work trends
Global company Microsoft conducted a study on workforce transitions into hybrid work in 2022 with 31,000 people across 31 countries. The findings highlighted that there are shifting perceptions within the workforce and that these will have a huge impact on the workplace.
The shift in focus is towards work-life balance, as well as physical and mental health. Previous perks of free lunches and game rooms have lost their appeal, with employees looking for flexibility and mobility instead.
The report found that beyond pay, the top five aspects of work that employees view as “very important” for an employer to provide are positive culture (46%), mental health/wellbeing benefits (42%), a sense of purpose/meaning (40%), flexible working hours (38%), and more than the standard two weeks of paid vacation time each year (36%). While Gen Z shares the same top three priorities, they also add positive feedback and recognition as their fourth priority, while ranking a manager who will help advance their career in fifth place.
Microsoft found that although leaders stated that their company will be returning to the office full-time within the next year, the majority of employees prefer the flexibility of remote and hybrid work, and would consider quitting their jobs if a suitable arrangement could not be negotiated. The future of work trends must consider more flexibility to foster a positive workplace culture and better employee well-being.
It appears that the hybrid workplace model is here to stay and that employers who offer flexibility will see higher employee engagement. Moving with the times is the name of the game and a pre-pandemic workplace attitude won’t cut it these days if you want a happy and healthy workforce.
Considering flexible ways to work? Learn more about our adaptable co-working spaces designed to support hybrid work models at wework.hk. Connect with us today to find out more.