Hybrid Work: The New Labor Regulations

What is Hybrid Work?

Hybrid working is a form of flexible working that combines elements of different work arrangements, such as office working, remote working and teleworking from home. This modality is adapted according to the tasks that need to be performed, allowing greater flexibility both in the location and in the work schedule.

Flexibility: A Controversial Topic

Flexibility at work can mean different things to employers and employees, which can lead to conflict between them and affect work-life balance. There are two main perspectives on flexible work arrangements: one that sees them as a productivity and efficiency resource for organizations, and another that sees them as tools to reduce work-family conflict and improve work-life integration. .

Temporal and Spatial Flexibility

Temporal Flexibility : Refers to issues related to time, such as when something happens (time), how often (frequency), and how long it lasts (duration). This ranges from flexible hours with core times where employees must work at their predetermined location, to part-time work and trust-based working hours, where fixed hours are eliminated and work is regulated by agreed objectives.

Spatial Flexibility : Depends on the needs of the current situation and the nature of the work. For example, a maintenance team must be mobile and travel to distant work sites. An employee's willingness and need to telework from home or other locations vary depending on their duties, work conditions, and family situation.

Organizational Flexibility

Organizational flexibility involves job restructuring, task reallocation, employee reorganization, job rotation, role expansion, enrichment opportunities, recruiting new employees, upskilling, and adopting new tools and technologies. This type of flexibility allows organizations to quickly adapt to changes and manage temporary projects efficiently.

Remote Work and Teleworking

Remote Work : Refers to a work arrangement in which the employee resides and works at a location outside of their employer's local commuting area. A remote worker can be self-employed or dependent on an employer and does not require visits to the main workplace or the use of personal electronic devices.

Telework : Performed in whole or in part at an alternative location, using personal electronic devices to carry out work. Teleworkers can be self-employed or dependent employees, and those who use multiple locations are known as multi-location mobile workers.

Skills and Abilities for Teleworking

For teleworking, specific individual characteristics and capabilities have been identified, such as self-management skills, the ability to communicate efficiently using technologies, and the ability to navigate cultural diversity. Not all employees who are competent in their jobs have teleworkable positions, and teleworkers may not possess the necessary skills. Therefore, it is crucial to consider these characteristics when recruiting for positions where teleworking is possible and promoted.

Training and Safety in Teleworking

Training in remote work practices and technologies has been identified as a key success factor in human resource management for teleworking. Successful implementation of telework also requires addressing technology and data security issues, which must be considered when planning, budgeting, and training for work outside the organization's facilities.

Hybrid work represents an evolution in the way organizations and employees think about and do their work. Flexibility in work location and hours can improve productivity and work-life balance, as long as the expectations and needs of all parties involved are appropriately managed.

Embracing hybrid working can transform your organization, increasing productivity and improving your employees' work-life balance. It's time to reevaluate your work policies and consider implementing hybrid arrangements. Invest in training, appropriate technology, and set clear expectations to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Start the path towards a more flexible and efficient work environment today!