The Hybrid Working model helps save fuel and frees up workers.

Following the global changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, working people now have more than one option for their work model. Instead of sitting in an office for eight hours, many are choosing to expand their workspace and environment by embracing more modern work models. Join Travellive in exploring the increasingly popular hybrid working model.

What is a hybrid work model?

Ha (25 years old, Hanoi) used to be an office worker. The pandemic hit, forcing her to quit her job for various reasons, such as salary cuts and a reduced workload. At that time, Ha decided to become a freelancer, taking on marketing jobs for businesses. Each day, she dedicates specific time slots to work, sometimes attending meetings at offices.

"I feel most comfortable working without having to see my boss, especially during stressful deadline periods," Ha shared.

Hybrid working is a hybrid work model that combines working in the office with working from home or in cafes via online platforms. The combination of work-from-home and office environments is appealing to employees and is increasingly becoming a popular choice. While not a new trend, it's gaining popularity due to changing lifestyles.

In 2019, Global Workplace Analytics surveyed and found that over 80% of employees were satisfied and pleased with this hybrid work model. Furthermore, according to the results of the 2021 Work Trend Index survey (Microsoft), with over 30,000 participants, the majority preferred a flexible, low-travel work model with ample time to work from home.

What makes the hybrid work model so popular?

The hybrid work model is popular partly because, after the Covid-19 pandemic, people became accustomed to working from home while also remaining concerned about contact and virus transmission in public places. However, that's not the only reason this model is in demand.

One of the reasons why the hybrid work model is considered a great option for most people is probably the greater sense of comfort and confidence they feel working in a familiar space.

Quynh Trang (22 years old, Hanoi), a relatively young intern at a large food corporation, also expressed great enthusiasm if the company proposed a hybrid work model: "I feel less stressed being able to complete my work from home, without having to think about clothes and makeup every morning before going to work."

It's not just Ha and Trang who feel stressed if they have to work in the office for too long; many young people also express concerns about traffic jams on their way to work. Even after-work gatherings and drinking sessions with colleagues cause stress because not everyone wants to go. Most young people don't particularly like the office environment with its many "unwritten rules," but they adapt incredibly quickly to a work model that differs from the traditional one.

From a managerial perspective, a hybrid work model offers several benefits. First, employees are given more freedom and flexibility, leading to increased productivity. Secondly, in many companies, the relationship between managers and employees becomes more relaxed, albeit with reduced physical contact. However, this is clearly only a temporary solution and not the optimal choice if you want to improve your relationship with your employees.

Some limitations of the hybrid work model

Besides the great benefits mentioned above, the hybrid work model also has certain limitations. First, the overly flexible working hours and workspace can make employees too careless and prone to missing important information, such as missing client calls, not fully understanding meetings, or failing to meet deadlines.

Furthermore, for managers, allowing employees to work from home without direct supervision also creates significant challenges in human resource management. Even prolonged periods of disconnection and offline interaction can make resolving issues between managers and employees more difficult. They worry whether their employees have completed their work according to instructions or are working independently.

Trung (35 years old, Ho Chi Minh City), sales manager at a fashion company, shared: “Hybrid working is actually great, but it will be even more effective if those implementing it are self-disciplined and highly responsible. Otherwise, hybrid working becomes a burden for the entire team.”

Beyond concerns about work efficiency, the hybrid work model also presents limitations on the personal lives of employees. For those accustomed to a specific morning routine, such as stopping by a familiar cafe for breakfast, buying coffee or bubble tea, or even going to the gym before work, working from home completely disrupts those habits. This can sometimes create invisible pressure, making starting the morning more difficult, and they themselves may not understand why…

Setting aside perspectives on the increasingly popular work models in companies, Travellive hopes that readers can refer to this information and make a safe and wise choice that suits their circumstances and preferences. For those who have been pursuing a hybrid work model, remember that your flexibility and willingness to change are a strength in today's world.

Ha Chuu