Work style has undergone a new level of evolution. The traditional 9-to-5 office is no longer the only standard of work arrangement; remote setups are no longer a perk—they are a proven strategy. A fast-growing solution that blends structure with freedom somewhere between those two lies the hybrid work model.
Across industries, business owners, HR leaders, and entrepreneurs are seeking flexible solutions that support productivity, reduce costs, and foster team member satisfaction. That is where hybrid work models come in. But what is a hybrid work model, exactly? If you’re looking for a deeper dive into implementing hybrid work in your company and how does a hybrid work setting happen in real life, check out our comprehensive hybrid work model guide.
In this article, learn more about this work concept by exploring its key features and examining real-world hybrid work model examples. That way, it can help anyone decide if this work arrangement suits their team.
What Is a Hybrid Work Model?
The hybrid work model definition is simple; it focuses on combining both in-office and remote work arrangements. It is a progressive method that allows employees to be more flexible by enabling them to work from various locations. An ideal setup where employees can experience both working independently and collaborating with others.
So, what is a hybrid work model? It’s all about allowing employees to split their work time between home, coworking spaces, or the office, depending on company policies, job role, and personal preference.
It differs from a full remote setup, where employees never need to work on site, and the traditional setting requires them to be 100% in the office. A hybrid work environment is all about balancing—an alternative option that brings the best of both worlds.
Key Characteristics of a Hybrid Work Model
If you ever wonder what a hybrid work setting is, read here on what it typically defines:
- Combination of remote and in-office work: Employees alternate between working on-site and off-site.
- Location independence or flexible schedules: Many hybrid models allow people to choose where and when they work.
- Use of digital tools: Communication and project management platforms (like Slack, Zoom, and Asana) are central to hybrid workflows.
- Results-based performance: The focus shifts from hours worked to outcomes delivered.
- Customizable policies: Depending on the office, a hybrid setup can also be customized according to work operations, roles, and locations, giving distributed teams more autonomy while maintaining cohesion.
How does a hybrid work? If you are wondering, expect that for some time it may involve a morning call from home, deep work time at a nearby coworking space in the afternoon, or an in-person strategy meeting at the office once a week.
Examples of Hybrid Work Models
There is no one-size-fits-all format. Different companies use different hybrid work model examples to suit their goals:
1. Split-Week Model
This hybrid arrangement is the most well-known version, allowing employees to spend part of the week in the office (e.g., Monday to Wednesday) and the rest working remotely (e.g., Thursday and Friday).
2. Remote-First with Optional Office Days
In this work setup, teams get to work remotely by default. On the other hand, they also have access to a physical workspace whenever needed. If your team prefers flexibility, browse Othership’s selection of coworking spaces and café-friendly work environments to find the perfect spot for productive remote days.
3. Role-Based Hybrid
This type of hybrid model addresses the role of employees. If they are the ones who deal with customers or have collaborative roles, then expect more on-site work, while jobs with independent roles (like developers) allow for remote work.
4. Employee-Choice Model
This hybrid work model enables employees to determine their preferred office work schedule. And like any other setup, they should also ensure they meet performance expectations.
These are just a few of the hybrid work model practices that help any business flourish as it adapts to this modernized work culture. Additionally, it helps address team member needs while continuously meeting the industry’s demands.
Working from a café or hotel today?
Why Are Companies Adopting It?
When discussing the benefits of the hybrid work model, this setup is more than just a perk. Here are some commendable reasons why some offices have this work arrangement in place.
- Improved Productivity: According to a Gallup report, hybrid workers are more productive and engaging than those who work entirely on-site or remotely. Hence, employers who want to increase work productivity make it possible through it.
- Increased Satisfaction: With a room for choice, employees also appreciate the autonomy and flexibility that a hybrid work environment offers.
- Cost Savings: With fewer desks, there is a smaller office footprint and lower overhead. Hence, it reduces the resources needed.
- Wider Talent Pools: Geographic barriers disappear when work isn’t tied to a single office. This encourages the company to attract more talent, not just in one location, and facilitates international recruitment.
- Modern Expectations: Employees now expect location flexibility, especially younger professionals.
It’s no wonder that many leading companies with hybrid work model setups, such as Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce, are sticking with this structure in the long term.
Common Challenges of Hybrid Work Models
Like any other work setup, even the best hybrid work models have challenges. Here are some of them:
- Communication Gaps: Expect potential miscommunication if the team does not have consistent face-to-face time or regular meetings.
- Coordination Issues: Scheduling group meetings is typically challenging for both in-office and remote workers, as it requires extra effort to coordinate everyone.
- Bias Risks: If the company or organization is not healthy, there is a risk of bias, meaning on-site workers may receive more visibility, promotions, or opportunities, intentionally or not.
- Security Concerns: Managing data across multiple locations and devices can increase compliance risks.
Understanding these pain points is crucial for developing hybrid work best practices.
Quick Benefits Recap
Let’s summarize the key hybrid work benefits for both businesses and employees:
- Guarantees a better work-life balance
- Reduces commuting costs and travel time
- Improves team member retention and attracts new talent
- Encourages focused, independent work time
- Lowers company real estate expenses
Undeniably, the hybrid model is too impactful to ignore, especially when implemented with intention.
Is the Hybrid Model Right for Your Business?
If you are wondering whether to have it or not, then start by asking these few questions:
- Does your team’s work require frequent in-person collaboration?
- Are your employees asking for more flexibility?
- Can your company invest in the digital tools needed for smooth remote collaboration?
- Are you open to reshaping your office space to match a modern hybrid work environment?
If the answer is yes to some or all of these, exploring a hybrid work arrangement strategy might be your next step. For teams that need structure and privacy, Othership also offers private office solutions tailored for hybrid teams.
What is the Future of Hybrid Work?
The future of hybrid work isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming the new normal.
McKinsey’s research shows that most companies are embracing hybrid work, with 75% of employees preferring it and 71% willing to leave if it’s not offered. This makes it clear that hybrid work is becoming the new normal.
The workstyle shift is prompting more companies to adopt open workspaces, output-based performance systems, and digital collaboration tools that support hybrid workforces and distributed teams.
As more companies with hybrid work model structures share their success stories, pressure is building for traditional workplaces to evolve.
Conclusion
The hybrid work model allows teams to work in ways that best suit their needs. With helpful tools, innovative policies, and the right mindset, businesses can thrive in a rapidly changing world. Ready to build your hybrid strategy?
Explore flexible meeting rooms, coworking hubs, and private offices on Othership, and give your team the freedom to work their way
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