As the pandemic hit the world in 2020, businesses across the globe were forced to adopt remote work practices to ensure continuity of operations. IT consulting companies, being at the forefront of technological advancements, were able to transition relatively smoothly to remote work arrangements. This was also the case for BBHT Solutions, as we had already embraced a hybrid work model before the pandemic.
We had established a culture of trust and autonomy, which allowed employees to choose where they would like to work from. This meant that employees were able to enjoy the benefits of working from home, such as saving on commute time and expenses, while still being able to interact with colleagues and clients in the office. The company had invested in technology to enable remote work, ensuring that all employees had access to the same resources regardless of their location.
The pandemic further accelerated the company's hybrid work model, and employees were able to seamlessly transition to remote work. Many employees appreciated the flexibility that working from home provided. They were able to structure their workday around their personal lives, such as caring for children or elderly relatives. Additionally, the elimination of the daily commute allowed many employees to enjoy a better work-life balance.
As soon as the pandemic peaked, and restrictions and lockdown were added, the colleagues needed to adjust mentally to the remote work even though this was an option before. Being at home 24/7, having the kids in home schooling programs or taking care of parents/grandparents was a challenge. These were all restrictions that needed to be considered and had an impact on productivity.
Giving the colleagues the time to adapt and the flexibility to take care of important issues was the way to go.
Looking back, it seems like a bad dream that has passed, but we take the lessons learned from it.
Employees now appreciate the opportunity to work from the office or from home without any obligations. The office environment provides the space for social interaction and enables the collaboration on projects. The ability to interact with colleagues face-to-face allows for a more personal connection and a deeper understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, working from the office provides a sense of structure and routine that some employees find helpful in managing their workloads.
Overall, after the pandemic we remain with the same concept: the hybrid work model. It enables our colleagues to enjoy the benefits of working from home or the office, depending on their personal preferences and circumstances.
As the world recovers from the pandemic, it is likely that hybrid work models will become increasingly popular. Although big companies are trying to get all their employees back to the office, our experience shows that a well-executed hybrid work model can have a positive impact on the lives of employees, while also benefiting the organization in the long term. And by well-executed we mean the willingness on both sides to make the best of the possibilities given.
