Hybrid Working – the Future of Returning to the Office?

Nearly 2 years since Boris gave the ‘stay at home’ order, offices closed their doors to workers around the UK and working from home became the norm, we have finally reached a milestone which had previously seemed so out of reach: the end of all restrictions. No mandatory facemasks, no social distancing and most crucially for businesses, the opportunity to return to the workplace. However, is it realistic to expect everything to return to normal, and revert to ‘business as usual’?

Is hybrid working here to stay?

It seems a long time ago that Exeter was gridlocked with lengthy traffic jams, with cars nose to tail around the Sandygate roundabout, as commuters made their way into the office, 5 days a week, every week. The now widespread acronym, ‘WFH’, was barely heard, as going into the office was standard protocol, with perhaps one day a month from home. This however, all quickly changed in 2020. See how the Optix Team adapted to Working From Home.

Now hybrid working is the norm, with workers now going into the office between 1-3 days a week. I had always assumed that the working world would return to ‘normal’ once all restrictions were lifted, with 5 days in the office being standard practice once again. However, in a report by the BBC, the CIM stated that 84% of managers adopted the hybrid working model due to the pandemic, and expect it to remain in place even now all restrictions have been eased.

It will now surely be impossible to turn our backs on flexible working afforded by WFH, from the lack of commute and flexible hours, to potentially greater productivity and improved results, by not going into the office. Now people have got used to this structure, I think it will be hard for employers to stipulate 5 days in the office once again, and they may even alienate employees or prospective candidates in doing so, especially as ‘work-life balance ‘ became even more of a hot topic during the pandemic.

Flexible working

The pandemic only served to highlight the differences in working patterns from employee to employee, as what works for one might not work for the other. Companies that don’t strong-arm their employees into a set way of working will surely be more successful, highlighted by recruitment firm Adecco, who stated : “rather than having pre-set rules, we are encouraging our leaders to engage with colleagues to implement strategies that work for their employees and their business”.

For some, that may be working from home 5 days a week, but as a recent graduate who spent my entire final year of university online, I love the option of flexible working and the buzz of going into the office at least 3 days a week. I enjoy getting out of the house, cycling to the office and catching up with my colleagues. They say variety is the spice of life, and I find alternating days at home and in the office really mixes up the working week, and gives my legs a rest from cycling up the hills on the way home!

Graduating in a pandemic

Having started at Optix Solutions in January 2022, I never saw what the office was like pre-pandemic, with all 20 members of staff in at one time. Having said that, it’s great that most people choose to come in 2-3 times a week; we try to come in on the same days for some much needed human interaction. From a recent graduate’s perspective, coming into the office regularly has been super beneficial for my development. It’s much easier to absorb information as other members of the team discuss issues together, and quickly ask a question in-person. Here at Optix, we used Slack for internal company communications long before COVID, but it became even more important during the pandemic; take a look at our Slack tips for better team communication to learn more about how to get the most out of this platform. Although video calls are efficient, and using video call to communicate with clients during lockdown was a necessity, there is no substitute for meeting in-person, and really establishing a connection face to face.

I am very glad that Optix has not stipulated a full-time working from home policy, as it’s super important for my mental health, as well as my progression, to be able to interact with other members of the office. I love the office banter and have bonded much more quickly with my colleagues than I would have done working from home full-time: having a beer and game of Articulate on a Friday afternoon is a real highlight! I would advise any new starters to work in the office as much as possible, as the information gleaned and connections made are invaluable.

Final thoughts on returning to the office

I really do believe that hybrid working is one of the positive aspects to come out of a pretty bleak couple of years. It allows us the best of both worlds: the option to interact with colleagues and collaborate on projects face to face, as well as get your head down in the quiet of your own home, or go for a quick run at lunchtime. At Optix, we love welcoming clients back into the office for in-person meetings, as well as continuing to hold virtual meetings, and adapt to fit the needs of every client. I am grateful that I work for a company as flexible as Optix Solutions; I have loved my time here so far, and look forward to what a hybrid future brings!