Pros and cons of hybrid work in IT companies

With the pandemic, hybrid work began to gain notoriety in companies of different sectors. Working from home with an internet connection was the only option in times of coronavirus isolation for many workers. From there, returning to the normal work rhythm, the idea of a hybrid scheme was raised, with the combination of working at home and in the office.

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What is hybrid work?

This is the name given to the methodology that combines face-to-face work and remote work. Hybrid work is considered one of the great lessons learned from the pandemic, and a model that is here to stay. Combining face-to-face work and teleworking is the model that is being implemented after the most critical phase of the pandemic, as it already generates more effective and enriching work dynamics by combining the best of face-to-face work and remote performance. Telecommuting and office presence are not seen as antagonists, but as two sides that must complement each other.

What are the pros of hybrid work in IT companies?

1. Cost reduction

In IT companies, that is companies dedicated to the technological sector, hybrid work has been a great ally since it allows tasks to be carried out from anywhere. Companies see their costs reduced, as they do not always need a physical location.

Particularly in this sector, teleworking has expanded opportunities for people who live far from big cities. According to Ámbito Financiero, it is estimated that 45% of new jobs generated in the IT sector live in the interior parts of Argentina. Although there are positions that can be developed 100% remotely, hybrid work (some days at home, others in the office) is a way to gradually return after the great changes that the coronavirus pandemic meant.

Especially in the IT sector, cost reduction is key since any worker can arrange to work from anywhere in the world, just having an Internet connection is enough. However, interspersing remote tasks with regular face-to-face meetings always enhances the tasks that are carried out. The IT worker no longer has to commute to work every day (which lowers transportation costs) and the company does not always have to cover furniture and office costs.

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2. Flexibility

Undoubtedly, the times of the pandemic changed labor relations and rethought the ways of linking to guarantee not only better productivity but also balance work times with personal life.

The application of hybrid work in the IT world allows flexibility of schedules and, therefore, a better balance of personal and work life. Attendance is still necessary to guarantee and strengthen the interaction between work teams, as well as the exchange of ideas, but each worker manages their time.

In hybrid work, the number of working hours is not a measured variable, but the fulfillment of certain objectives.

There is no established model for hybrid work, but it depends on each organization and work team, taking into account the particularities of each company. For example, in the case of IT companies, many had adopted working from home before the pandemic.

3. Talent recruitment

Hybrid work is the most chosen when looking for new jobs. Tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Google have already implemented it.

Companies that do not have the opportunity of hybrid or remote work are at a disadvantage compared to those that do. It is estimated that 77% of workers choose to choose a job with a hybrid modality, according to data from elcronista.com.

What are the cons of hybrid work in IT companies?

1. Digital exhaustion or dependency

Hybrid work, especially in its remote part, generates increased time in front of computers, which translates into spending too much time working with technology.

Although in the IT field it is a basic premise and it is essential to work on a PC, worktime or virtual meetings should not exceed the time allowed to maintain optimal health.

Very often, workers' constant exposure to computers leads to much longer workdays, which can lead to increased workloads.

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2. Lack of preparation

In the IT world, however, most companies are not fully prepared to offer a seamless hybrid work experience.

When it comes to implementing a successful hybrid work model, investment in technology and cybersecurity become crucial elements.

The transition to a hybrid model is not something that happens overnight. The change towards hybrid work in an organization is a decision that must be made not only by management but in conjunction with the other areas depending on the different roles that must be covered.

As the ManPowerGroup survey indicates, it is necessary to identify appropriate roles to carry it out, define the scheme to be implemented and the expected benefits, detect possible difficulties and create organizational support structures to address the probable obstacles that may arise.