Flexible Hybrid Work Models: A 2024 Guide for Businesses

The Different Types of Hybrid Work Models

A hybrid work model is how you define your business’s guidelines for hybrid working. ‘Hybrid work’ is dividing time between the office and remote work environments, while ‘model’ is how that takes shape within your organization.

Companies that have embraced hybrid work have different policies around how, when, and where that work takes place.

Here are four ways you could build your hybrid work model:

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1. Flexible Hybrid Work Model‍

A flexible hybrid work model suggests that employees are free to work where they like, although usually within a required time zone or location. Your employees can work from coffee shops, their homes, or the beach – the emphasis is placed on productivity rather than set workspaces.

With minimal ways to monitor work time, flexible hybrid working is based on building trust with employees to complete tasks. It enables businesses to cast a wider net when it comes to hiring, as there are fewer geographical limitations, and it is an effective way to save money as office space is not necessary.

2. Set Hybrid Work Model

A set hybrid work model has the office/remote divide while putting a structure in place that specifies when and where employees should work.

For example, a business may adopt a hybrid working policy but ask that employees are in two days per week of their choosing. Alternatively, they may ask that employees are in on specific days. It could be the same for all team members, or it could vary between individuals.

A set hybrid work model doesn’t emphasize either the office or remote working, instead, it’s about a balance between the two. Employees can come into the office to collaborate with teammates or attend meetings, but they can also adapt their schedule or attend appointments if necessary.

3. Office-First Hybrid Work Model

An office-first hybrid work model asks that employees are primarily in their place of work during work hours. However, it still allows for a certain amount of days at home.

How often employees are able to work from home will differ from business to business; some have a quarterly allowance, others a monthly or even weekly. However, the expectation is that the office is the primary workspace for employees.

Office-first is the easiest way to maintain community and work culture while also offering the choice to stay at home if necessary.

4. Remote-First Hybrid Work Model

The opposite of an office-first hybrid work model, employees who are remote-first primarily work from home or in a remote work environment.

If it’s remote-first rather than remote-only, there should be an office space for employees to use, but more time is spent out of the office than in. This balances in-person collaboration and instills trust in employees, while also enabling those who want to come in to attend an office occasionally.