Interview: Hybrid Working

Employees have gone through significant changes in the past 18 months. Pre-pandemic, the majority spent five days a week in the office but from March 2020 the majority worked from home and now there is a mix of thoughts on where employees are based, making hybrid working the new hot topic. 

Hybrid working is now being recognised as a happy medium for employees, depending on their business and job role, but what are the benefits for employees? And how easy is it for employees to adapt? 

We could have carried out extensive research on the topic but felt that stats and generalised comments weren’t a true reflection of employees’ thoughts and decided instead to find out how one of our team felt about this new way of working. So, as our Head of Property Finance, Sarah Langley, made her morning cup of tea, we asked about her personal experience of hybrid working compared to the former five-days-a-week in the office regime.

Sarah Langley, Head of Property Finance

1. How do you split your working week?

I’m currently working two days in the office and three days at home.

2. How have you found hybrid working so far?

To begin with it was difficult to get used to, but now I’m used to the routine I find it a great way to work. I can plan my week around whether my tasks are collaborative or not, and utilise each day more effectively.

3. What is the best part of hybrid working? 

Having days at home where I can focus on solo tasks with less distractions has been a game changer for me.  I have also truly appreciated the lack of a commute and the increased free time I now have in an evening.

4. What do you feel is the biggest challenge for you with hybrid working?

When you know you will be seeing your team it can be tempting to save any questions for when you’re in the office. I have found this takes away from the time which could be spent collaborating and working on day to day tasks, and can make the days in the office feel less productive. Ensuring effective communication throughout the week to avoid this has been a necessity for me.

5. What are your top tips for hybrid working?

Forward plan as much as you can so you and your team can maximise the face to face time, and try to stick to a similar daily routine regardless of where you’re working.