Have you gotten quite comfortable with a flexible work location over the last few years? Haven’t we all. While a number of employers are embracing the all-new way of work, and jumping on the hybrid work model, not all of them are there yet.
In case you are looking to negotiate a hybrid work model with your employer, you’ll be more equipped after reading this article.
If you work from Canberra, we’d love to see you in one of our two coworking spaces and we are so happy to take you (and your employer) through the various flexible work models we offer. Call our team today on 1800 512 150 to set up an appointment.
What is Hybrid Work?
In a hybrid/remote work model, employees tend to receive maximum flexibility having the option of a number of work locations. An employee could work from home a few days a week, from a team office a few days a week, or at a coworking space a few days a week.
Hybrid work is also now defined by the flexibility of time (as well as space). A worker can choose to get the work done when they tend to be the most productive (irrespective of time or location).
Very much like the JAGA mantra – flexibility is key in hybrid solutions.
Hybrid work is being adopted by companies as well as entrepreneurs. Many teams of one, or solopreneurs spent a good chunk of the last few years working by themselves at home and they’re now looking for more variety and social connection, choosing to work from coworking spaces like ours at JAGA at least a few days a week.
Why Is Hybrid Work Becoming The Best Option For Employers And Employees?
No one could have predicted the sweeping changes the COVID-19 pandemic would have on the world’s workforce. Suddenly, offices were closed and home offices, zoom, and working around our children at home became the norm.
Now with the workforce returning to the office (and kids returning to school), some employees are questioning what they really want from a work environment – and employers are questioning whether they really need the big, expensive office space downtown.
For an employer, creating a hybrid work environment can see two things happen:
Savings and Productivity.
According to recent research, remote workers can save a company as much as $11,000 per year (which could up to a 21% increase in profitability).
Similarly, employers who work with hybrid workers see greater productivity, and more switched on and happier employees.
Happiness and Loyalty: Byproducts Of Hybrid Work
To put it simply, a happy worker is a productive worker. And a loyal one!
In a study report, it was found that flexibility is one of the major reasons employees are drawn to the idea of hybrid work. It is easier to find a work/life balance in a flexible work environment. It also can save on the stress (and expense) of a daily commute, which is very attractive to a lot of employees.
Employers who work with their employees to find the best hybrid work solution for each person tend to enjoy greater employee retention and loyalty.
How Do I Know If My Employer Offers Hybrid Work?
A number of companies are moving to a more formal concept of hybrid work now that the pandemic is seeing businesses return to a somewhat normal environment.
If you are an employee that wishes to see a remote work or coworking situation as part of your new normal, you can ask the employer upfront about the hybrid or flexible work options available to you.
If you are a manager or leader in a business that currently has a few different work solutions available for employees, you could attempt to formalise a hybrid work agreement, taking into account your employee’s locations, schedules and home life.
(Similarly, if you are job searching, and there is no mention of ‘hybrid’ or ‘flexible’ in the job posting or listing, you can still request information around it).
How to Approach My Employer About Hybrid Work?
If you are looking to formalise a hybrid work solution and you’re unsure that you’ll be successful in working out an agreement, it’s worth investing some planning into your pitch!
Here are some ideas for negotiation:
- Pay Attention to Timing
If you’ve been an employee for a number of years, then make sure you’re chatting with your leader or boss at a time that suits them and that you have all the stats available about your role requirements, how long you’ve been in the role, what success you’ve been able to achieve in the role and how a hybrid solution suits you BOTH.
If you’re applying for a role and you know you absolutely want a hybrid work solution, be upfront about that as early in the recruitment process as possible. - Know What You Want
Before you commence negotiating any aspect of the job offer, you should be aware of what you want exactly and what you do not want. This can help you in making sure that you are not ending up with a schedule that does not work for you. When you clearly understand what you do (and do not) want, it will help you in figuring out what you are willing to negotiate on.
If the hybrid work model is on the topmost priority of your worklist, would you consider a reduced pay for a hybrid schedule or a part-time hybrid schedule? - Have a Dedicated Plan And Offer Solutions
Based on the specifications, the employer can be open to flexible or hybrid schedules, or they might not altogether. It is crucial that you have a dedicated game plan ready for explaining how hybrid and flexible work arrangements can benefit them.
Instead of saying “I want hybrid work”, come into the meeting knowing what kind of hybrid work you’re asking for and how the solution will benefit them. If you’re looking to work from a coworking space 2 days per week and the rest of the time from home, let your employer know which coworking space, how much a hot desk will cost and whether you’re paying, or they’re paying for that.
Explain all the costs and the benefits in as much detail as possible. If the company currently rents out expensive office space and they want to get the most bang for their buck and are enforcing everyone comes into work from the office, take them through your local coworking space costs vs the rental costs. They may be surprised how much money a business can save by looking at hybrid solutions.
Can a Coworking Space Provide for Hybrid Work?
Yes, a coworking space is a perfect solution for hybrid work options.
Hybrid work culture sees employers and employees gain the best of both worlds. One of the primary reasons why people enjoy a mix of coworking and working from home is the needed social interaction and planned productivity they gain from working from a space like JAGA.
Some employers prefer the idea of their employees working together in a coworking space as opposed to all working from home. Having a mixture of both options could provide employers with a continued sense of team building.
Many members of our JAGA family are hybrid workers, spending set time during the week in our spaces, and set time during the week at home or from a team office. We are happy to take any new member through the various flexible work arrangements we have available at our two Canberra coworking spaces: Allara Street and Swanson Court. Click here to book a tour now or call our team on 1800 512 150.