Remote, Hybrid, Or On-Site? What’s Best For Your Business

The COVID-19 pandemic has seemingly permanently changed the way businesses view work. Businesses have explored new ways of working to better accommodate their employees.

They’re now faced with crucial decisions about how their workforce operates: Remote, hybrid, or on-site? Each option is uniquely appealing, but determining the best fit for your business requires careful consideration.

 

Types Of Work

 

Two popular options that gained attention in the last few years were hybrid work and remote work. Let’s jump into the distinctions between the two.

 

What Is Hybrid Work?

 
Hybrid work, also referred to as flexible work or hybrid remote work, is a setup where employees divide their time between working in the office and working remotely. For instance, an employee might spend three days a week at the office and the remaining two days working from home.

 

What Is Remote Work?

 
Remote work, also known as telecommuting, involves employees working outside of the traditional office environment, typically from their homes. It allows employees to work from anywhere, as long as they have internet access.

 

What Is On-Site Work?

 
As you may know, on-site work is when employees work from a designated physical location, like an office or factory, under the supervision of their managers. This work model involves face-to-face interactions, collaboration with colleagues, and access to company resources and equipment available on-site.

 

Current Statistics Of UK Workers’ Work Settings

 

Remote Work:

 

• In 2019, around 12% of UK workers worked from home, while by 2022, the percentage increased to between 25% and 40%.
• During the peak of lockdown in April 2020, 46.6% of people in employment did some work from home, with 86.0% attributing it to the pandemic.
• In May 2023, 39% of workers in Great Britain had worked from home at some point in the previous 7 days.

 

Hybrid Work:

 

• Hybrid working, a blend of office and remote work, is gaining popularity. 52% of surveyed business leaders believe that hybrid working is good for employee productivity, while 58% of UK workers prefer this model.
• Notably, 85% of employees currently working from home express a desire for a hybrid approach in the future.
• Commuting patterns reflect this shift, with significant increases in cycling and slight decreases in traditional public transport usage.

 

 

On-Site Work:

 

• Currently, only 30% of companies in the UK are operating fully on-site.
• Pre-pandemic, office attendance averaged 3.8 days a week, which has decreased to an average of 1.4 days per week post-COVID. However, some groups, like 50+ year olds, show a preference for full-time office work.
• Despite the rise of remote and hybrid models, 50 of the biggest UK employers have no plans to return all staff to the office full-time in the near future.

It’s clear to see the dynamic of work settings in the UK has undergone significant changes due to the pandemic. While remote and hybrid working models have gained traction, the traditional office environment still holds relevance for certain demographics and industries. The future of work in the UK appears to be a hybrid one, where flexibility and adaptability are paramount for both employers and employees.

 

What Should You Choose For Your Business?

 

Entrepreneurs should make decisions about remote, hybrid, or on-site work based on various factors, including job roles, company objectives, and the nature of tasks. Here’s when you might choose each option:

 

Remote Work:

 
Entrepreneurs may opt for remote work when:

• Job roles primarily involve independent tasks that can be completed without extensive collaboration.
• Employees require flexibility due to personal commitments or preferences.
• The company aims to attract talent from diverse locations without geographical constraints.
• Cost-saving measures are necessary, such as reducing office space expenses.
• Employees have proven productivity and accountability while working remotely.

 

Hybrid Work:

 
Entrepreneurs may prefer a hybrid model when:

• Job roles involve a mix of individual tasks and collaborative projects that benefit from face-to-face interaction.
• Employees value a balance between office collaboration and remote autonomy.
• The company aims to maintain a sense of community and corporate culture while offering flexibility.
• Specific tasks or projects require on-site resources or equipment.
• The entrepreneur seeks to accommodate diverse work preferences within the workforce.

 

On-Site Work:

 
Entrepreneurs may choose on-site work when:

• Job roles necessitate constant collaboration, teamwork, or supervision.
• The company culture emphasises in-person interactions for innovation, creativity, or mentoring.
• Employees’ roles require access to specialised equipment, facilities, or resources available only in the office.
• Security or confidentiality concerns require on-site work environments.
• The entrepreneur prioritises centralised management and oversight of operations.

The choice between remote, hybrid, or on-site work ultimately hinges on factors such as job roles, company objectives, and the nature of tasks. While remote work offers flexibility and cost-saving benefits, hybrid models blend the best of both worlds, and on-site arrangements best promote collaboration and innovation. By weighing these factors against your business’s unique requirements, you can determine the optimal work setting that maximises productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall success.