There is no longer a single model for employee work schedules requiring five days in the office. A hybrid work schedule has become the new norm for many businesses, as employers and employees strive to balance remote work and office attendance.

What is a hybrid work schedule?

A hybrid work schedule combines on-site work with remote work. This model allows team members to choose days to be in the office and days to work remotely. This flexible schedule can be tailored to individual needs, with rotating days or a set hybrid schedule for the entire team. As of 2023, over 70% of US employers embrace hybrid work models to boost productivity and retain workers​ (Deloitte United States)​​​.

With remote work becoming a permanent fixture, businesses need to understand the various options for hybrid work schedules:

  • Split week: Employees work part of the week in the office and part remotely.
  • Alternate weeks: Employees rotate weekly, spending one week in the office and the next remotely.
  • Designated remote days: All employees have specific days designated for remote work each week, with the rest in-office.
  • Flex time: Employees have the flexibility to work either in-office or remotely as needed. This can include core hours or in-person days when all employees are expected to be available for meetings or collaboration.
  • Project-based: Teams come to the office for certain project phases requiring collaborative meetings and work remotely during phases needing more independent work.

Benefits of a hybrid work schedule

For Employees

  • Work-life balance: Hybrid schedules allow employees more control over their work-life balance, scheduling work hours around personal commitments, reducing stress, and improving well-being​ (Deloitte United States)​.
  • Wellness: Less commuting time means more time for health-promoting activities like exercise and mindfulness, and less chance of illness from crowded offices​ (FlexOS)​.
  • Job satisfaction: Remote and hybrid employees are generally happier than those required to work on-site, leading to longer job tenure​ (Pew Research Center)​.
  • Flexibility: Hybrid work offers autonomy to work when and how employees are most effective, accommodating flexible childcare and after-school arrangements​ (Bureau of Labor Statistics)​.

For Employers

  • Productivity: Increased job satisfaction leads to higher employee productivity. Data shows 58% of employees report increased productivity with hybrid work​ (Archie)​.
  • Loyalty and retention: Employees are more likely to stay with companies that prioritize flexibility​ (Pew Research Center)​.
  • Engagement: Intentional and meaningful connections between teams and leaders enhance company culture​ (Bureau of Labor Statistics)​.
  • Recruitment: Remote work allows companies to recruit from a broader geographic pool of applicants​ (FlexOS)​.
  • Cost management: Reduced overhead costs from smaller office spaces lower business expenses. Hybrid work can reduce real estate costs by up to 50%​ (Archie)​.
Employees eating at an office catering event. Expensed meal credits.

Best practices for hybrid work scheduling

Establish a hybrid work policy and transition plan

To ensure compliance and avoid misunderstandings, employers should set clear parameters around hybrid work schedules. Create a policy detailing schedules and output expectations, and communicate the hours employees must be online and accessible.

Support remote employees

Standardize the types of devices or equipment required for remote work. Consider cybersecurity compliance needs and ensure employees have access to all necessary tools and resources, including technical support​ (Deloitte United States)​.

Provide support and build culture

Address potential challenges such as time management, reduced leadership support, or staying connected with colleagues. Offer training and support to prevent these issues and foster a sense of belonging and connection among employees. Encourage virtual social events, team-building activities, and opportunities for informal communication, regardless of work location​ (Pew Research Center)​.

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Food is a key component of a hybrid work schedule

Whether in-office, at home, or hybrid, employees need to eat to maintain productivity and wellness. Flexible work schedules mean varied meal times, and offering expensed meal credits and stipends can increase employee satisfaction and strengthen corporate culture. Sharing food allows team members to bond and develop stronger relationships.

Ordit is the easiest and most convenient way to feed your team. Expensed meal credits for remote workers are a valuable corporate benefit, allowing employees to order delicious meals with a customizable stipend. Ordit provides a variety of high-quality meals to support group orders or individual meals for employees and clients, wherever they work.

Hybrid work schedules are here to stay

From cost savings to increased productivity and improved work-life balance, both employees and employers benefit from hybrid work models. Employee perks like expensed meal credits can support your hybrid team, making them feel appreciated and fostering virtual social connections. Learn more about meal reimbursement for hybrid, remote, and in-office employees with Ordit.