Hybrid or Remote: Which one do you think is more efficient?

Most corporates would find it hard to adopt fully remote, so they opt for hybrid and are getting the worst of both I reckon. Not to say that hybrid can't work but I'm still on the lookout for more successful examples. Remote requires a complete rethink of the way the company operates. I reckon it's easier to start as a remote company from day one. Also being remote doesn't mean you don't sometimes meet colleagues in real-life - you can do so via retreats.

Depends on the task

I really enjoy working remotely. Prior to the Covid pandemic, many of us were often compelled to go to the office, resulting in long commutes, open workspaces, and countless meetings. However, Covid proved that numerous job positions can be effectively carried out remotely. This shift didn't sit well with managers and executives, as they felt that some control over their employees was being taken away. When the confinement measures were lifted, we noticed that management tried every possible way to regain that lost control, constantly monitoring and questioning the work and productivity of employees. This kind of behavior feels like a punishment and is demoralizing, as it implies that we are not being treated as responsible adults. Today, we have an opportunity to reduce car emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and minimize the environmental impact of large corporate buildings (excessive lighting, heating, etc.), all while maintaining the same level of productivity. The perception regarding the loss of control over constant supervision needs to change. In my opinion, a hybrid work model can be beneficial for those individuals who enjoy going to the office every day for the purpose of meeting colleagues and socializing. However, if the hybrid work model only offers 1-2 days of remote work, with the rest requiring employees to be physically present, it becomes a struggle against managers who will always try to force us back into the office for constant supervision. If hybrid work means having the freedom to choose whether to go to the office for all five days or none at all, then it is a positive step forward. Of course, there will still be occasions where physical presence is necessary for important meetings or other specific tasks. However, apart from those instances, Covid has demonstrated that work can be successfully carried out remotely. Embracing remote work as a means to rebuild trust between employers and employees, enabling them to produce the same quality of work while enjoying the comfort of their own homes, could be a positive move for the present. Once the hybrid work model means that employees can choose their work arrangement based on their performance and without any pressure, then it will truly be a positive development. However, at present, it does not appear to be the case.

During the pandemic, I worked remotely for a year. During that period, I practically went feral. I prefer to change my workplace regularly and love working in an office.

For me it's hybrid. I believe you need in person feedback and also to be able to brainstorm with your team and exchange ideas. Plus let's face it - I think each and every one of us becomes a liiiitle more lazy at home haha so knowing you have to go to office, even once a week might give you that additional boost of motivation

Definitely remote for me

Definitely a hybrid. I know people who only like to work from the office, but sometimes they need to work from home. The same goes for fully remote work. Part of our team is sometimes asked to work in the office.

Hybrid

Hybrid for our team, remote with our clients. Meeting up with the team at least once a week is awesome because it helps us tackle problems faster and in a chill, enjoyable team manner. Our top-notch ideas often popped up during laid-back lunch time. We also totally support our team's choice to work from home – everyone gets to pick their most effective work style.

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Actually, it depends on the maturity of a team and the difficulty of a project. Sometimes it's more efficient to physically get together. But in general, I love remote working.

I think Hybrid! But how exactly? IMO companies setting up Hybrid culture saying you have to come to the office twice/thrice a week is equivalent to WFO for me. You cannot plan to work from anywhere remotely in this situation. But hybrid setup where you have to go to the office for 1 week in a month gives you more flexibility to decide where you wanna work from! Just a thought!

My team works remotely and it's been wonderful! We connect for quarterly offsites, and have weekly syncs and use slack (messages and huddles) to chat through issues. It's been amazing. Thankful to have flexibility and to work on a great organization.

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I'm in favor of a hybrid, but only in the version when a person has to choose when he wants to work remotely. A clear schedule is cool, but if on this particular day the weather conditions are such that you want to work from home and you are forced to go, it's so.

working remotely is probably the best

Remote option seems more efficient since you have place where you are based with no outside stimulation, however it does get dull sometimes and the only way to break the monotony is to go to the office 1-2x per week.

Both can work great. It is all about processes and team.

Hybrid; going to the office is so important to people's mental wellbeing, and since 2020 very undervalued