The COVID-19 pandemic triggered rapid changes in work environments worldwide. Remote work became widespread, and as we moved into the post-pandemic era, hybrid work—blending remote and in-office work—has emerged as a new standard.

In this article, we explore what hybrid work is, how it’s being adopted globally, and the positive impacts it brings.

Hybrid work refers to a flexible model that combines remote and in-office work. For example, employees might work in the office from Tuesday to Thursday and remotely on Mondays and Fridays. The arrangement may vary by company policy or individual schedules.

This flexible environment gained momentum during the pandemic and has now become a mainstream model. According to the 2023 Global Survey of Working Arrangements, 25.6% of employees across 34 countries worked in hybrid formats between April and May 2023.

In the U.S., 67% of companies have adopted hybrid work—more than twice the rate of full-time office-based work (33%). In Korea, leading IT companies such as Naver, LINE, and Yanolja are also adopting hybrid models.

Let’s now take a closer look at the key benefits of adopting a hybrid work model.

One of the main benefits of hybrid work is enhanced employee productivity and satisfaction.

According to a University of Birmingham study, 76.5% of managers reported that hybrid work plays a critical role in improving productivity.

Hybrid work supports different types of tasks: focused individual work (e.g., analysis or writing) can be more efficient at home, while collaboration and brainstorming thrive in office settings. This task-based flexibility helps employees work in environments optimized for performance.

A major advantage of hybrid work is the ability to improve work-life balance for employees.

According to a McKinsey survey, the most valued benefit of hybrid work is “saving time on commuting.”

For busy professionals, avoiding rush hour travel translates into less stress and more time for personal priorities. A flexible work model contributes to healthier work routines and reduces workplace fatigue.

Companies offering hybrid work can recruit from a broader talent pool beyond geographic limits and retain existing employees more effectively. Today’s job seekers care not only about salary and benefits, but also about workplace flexibility.

According to a CIPD report, 69% of people consider “remote work availability” a key factor when looking for a new job. Many prefer companies that offer hybrid work options.

This highlights the growing importance of flexible work environments—on par with competitive compensation.

A 2023 white paper by IWG (International Workplace Group) revealed that companies adopting hybrid work models can save over $11,000 per employee annually.

These savings come from reductions in office space, energy use, and operational expenses. For instance, a company with 1,000 employees may only need physical space for 200–300 people. Additional savings come from cleaning services, cafeteria operations, and office supply expenses.

Despite these advantages, hybrid work also raises concerns. Let’s explore potential challenges companies should address.

Hybrid work presents complex issues beyond operational changes—it can impact company culture and the employee experience.

Communication gaps, difficulty building organizational culture, and onboarding challenges for new hires are common concerns.

To address these, companies must establish clear policies and cultivate an inclusive culture that bridges remote and in-office work.

For example, reinforce collaboration tools, schedule regular team check-ins, and implement mentorship programs for new employees. Ultimately, success requires not only strong IT infrastructure but also people-focused management and support systems.

Flexible work models like hybrid work offer clear advantages—from improved productivity and work-life balance to talent retention and cost savings.

At the same time, companies must build the right HR frameworks to implement and sustain these models effectively.

If you're considering a hybrid work strategy, Shiftee can help you take the first step with smart, scalable workforce management.

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