Top 5 Hybrid Work Model Examples to Get You Inspired

There are many different ways to picture the future of the workplace—including hybrid working models. While this method may appeal to you, you may be unsure where to start, especially regarding your employees and workspace management.

Here are 5 great examples of businesses that have made the hybrid model work for them that you can follow.

■ Where do you start? Create a wise seating allocation for your hybrid workspace

1. Remote-first Hybrid Work Model | Spotify

Working remotely is the norm in the remote-first work model, whether from employees' homes or even coworking spaces. Although the business still might have some office space (for functions that must be performed on-site), all of the operations and rules align with remote work and its requirements.

Numerous employees at Spotify were overjoyed when the company introduced the "work from anywhere" (WFA) model in February 2021, allowing employees to move and work from different cities and countries. Spotify's strategy is to create an agile work environment, thereby distributing work through teams and giving employees more autonomy and flexibility, while still encouraging office visits (e.g., corporate events, in-person onboarding, etc.). Spotify's hybrid work model is an excellent example of how a company can use remote and in-office employees to improve productivity, efficiency, and work ethic.

Their remote-first model has allowed the company to:

• Attract top talent worldwide
• Maintain current workforce (especially those that moved away from loved ones to be close to the office)
• Empower employees (creating a positive workforce)

2. Office-first Hybrid Work Model | Meta/Facebook

The office-first model requires employees to work in the office for the majority of the time, with optional remote working as needed.

Meta's implementation of the office-first hybrid work model has inspired people worldwide because the company is working to find new ways to make the workplace more flexible and efficient. Meta's policy requires that employees work in the office at least 3 days per week and work remotely when needed. The company is also developing its own tools to allow for seamless remote and in-person collaboration.

The advantages Meta has enjoyed so far include:

• Employees have better work experiences (mixing autonomy of remote work with social advantages of working in person).
• Increased employee satisfaction (flexibility and employer taking their needs into consideration)
• Wider talent nets can be cast when hiring new employees (more applicants may apply for positions if they don't necessarily have to relocate for work).

3. Split-week Hybrid Work Model | Apple

The split-week hybrid work model is more ridged because it determines which days employees must be in office and which days they can work remotely.

This work model implemented by Apple requires employees to work in the office Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, while they can work from home on Wednesdays and Fridays (with manager approval). Additionally, Apple also allows their employees to work from anywhere for up to 2 weeks per year.

The benefits of the split-week hybrid work model include:

• Improving logistics (e.g., maintenance, food services, personal arrangements employees have to make, etc.).
• Improving collaboration and team dynamics (work schedule means you know when your team is in office).

4. Designated Teams Hybrid Work Model | Google

The designated teams hybrid work model maximizes efficiency and employee productivity because it assigns which teams work in the office and which from home.

Google has implemented this model, stating that work schedules will depend on the specific team and each employee's function within the team. Therefore, some employees may work fully remote, some can split their time (3 days in office and 2 days remote), and some may have to work in office 4-5 days per week. It comes down to the best way to achieve company and team goals.

Additionally, employees get 4 work-from-anywhere weeks per year, focus time to limit internal meetings, and reset days where employees globally get an extra day off to rest.

The advantages of this hybrid work model include:

• Employees have a better work-life balance (different work options can suit different work preferences).
• Employees have increased their productivity (especially because of focus time and reset days)

5. Flexible Hybrid Work Model | Salesforce

The flexible hybrid work model encourages all employees to work in a location and at a time that's best for them, thereby improving their effectiveness.

Salesforce has successfully implemented this model by being employee-focused. On any given day, employees must either work from a customer location, home, or the office. They can access all the necessary tools to complete their work from anywhere. Salesforce's work model easily synchronizes remote and in-person team members and emphasizes assessing workers based on results.

A flexible hybrid work model has allowed Salesforce to:

• Increase employee productivity (employees feel trusted and have autonomy)
• Improve employee well-being (employees manage stress and workloads better)

Ready to Get Started?

These examples are just a sample of what's possible with hybrid models. Use some of these practices as a foundation, but make sure to tailor your model to your company and your employees' needs. Consider additional factors such as how to best optimize your office space, combat proximity bias, manage costs, and implement software to streamline processes. Remember that your model may be in flux at first until you've tried and tested different practices to find the right fit.

■ Looking for an all-in-one partner to help? Explore POC System's solutions