There is no longer one model for employee work schedules that requires being in the office five days a week. A hybrid work schedule is an acceptable new norm for many businesses, as employers and employees strive to balance remote working and working from the office.
What is a hybrid work schedule?
A hybrid work schedule combines on-site or in-office work with remote work or working from home. A hybrid working model allows team members to choose days in the office combined with remote work. This schedule type is flexible and can be unique to the individual, with rotating days or a set hybrid schedule for the entire team. Data from 2023 showed that over 70% of US employers are now embracing hybrid work models as a way to boost productivity and retain workers.
With remote work here to stay, businesses need to understand the different options for hybrid work schedules:
Split week: Employees work part of the week in-office and part of the week remotely.
Alternate weeks: Employees rotate weekly, working one week in the office and the next remotely.
Designated remote days: All employees have specific days designated for remote work each week with all other days in-office.
Flex time: Employees have flexibility to work either in-office or remotely as individually appropriate. 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 into the office for certain phases of a project that require collaborative meetings, and work remotely during other phases that require more independent work.
What are the benefits of a hybrid work schedule for employees and employers?
Flexibility in work scheduling has distinct benefits for both employees and employers.
Employees
Work-life balance: Hybrid work schedules allow employees to have more control over their work-life balance. They can schedule their work hours around personal commitments, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Wellness: Less time commuting often means more time for health-promoting activities like exercise and mindfulness, and less chance of illness from being in a crowded office.
Job satisfaction: Remote and hybrid employees are happier than those required to work in an on-site office environment, and stay in their jobs longer.
Flexibility: Hybrid work gives employees autonomy to work when and how they are most effective. This also allows for more flexible childcare and after-school arrangements for families.
Employers
Productivity: Higher levels of job satisfaction means employers benefit from increased employee productivity.
Loyalty and retention: Employees are more likely to stay with companies that prioritize flexibility.
Engagement: More intentional and meaningful connections between teams and leaders benefits company culture.
Recruitment: Remote work allows companies to recruit from a larger geographic pool of applicants.
Cost management: Business expenses are lower with reduced overhead costs of office spaces.
What are the best practices for hybrid work scheduling?
These are the key strategies for employers to implement an effective hybrid work environment.
Establish a hybrid work policy and transition plan
To ensure compliance and avoid misinterpretations, employers should set parameters around hybrid work schedules. Create a policy around schedules and output expectations for employees during work hours, and clearly communicate the hours employees must be online and accessible to colleagues and clients.
Support remote employees
Standardize what types of devices or equipment will be required for work outside the office. Consider cybersecurity compliance needs, and ensure employees are provided with, or can access, any tools or resources they need to complete their work, including technical support.
Provide support and build culture
Challenges for employees with a hybrid work schedule could include time management, less leadership support, or staying connected with colleagues, so give employees training and support to prevent these issues. Take proactive steps to ensure a sense of belonging and connection among employees — encourage virtual social events, team building activities, and opportunities for informal communication for all employees whether they are working in the office or remotely.
Food is a key component of a hybrid work schedule
No matter if they are in-office, working from home, or hybrid, employees need to eat to maintain productivity and wellness. Flexible work scheduling means employee meal times can vary, and offering expensed meal credits and stipends when and where employees require food can increase employee satisfaction and strengthen corporate culture. Sharing food gives team members a chance to get to know one another and develop stronger relationships.
DoorDash for Business is the easiest and most convenient way to feed your team
Expensed meal credits for remote workers are considered a strong corporate benefit, allowing employees to order a delicious meal with a customizable stipend. DoorDash for Business provides a variety of convenient and high-quality meals to support group orders or individual meals for your employees and clients, wherever and wherever they work.
Providing an employee meal plan has never been simpler for office administrators, team leaders, and HR teams. Control and automate the budget by time, date, and even location to make ordering and expensing meals easy. Custom options are available to fit your company's unique needs and allow employees to expense meals with ease — DashPass for Employees, which offers cost savings when ordering food, is a particularly enticing benefit to offer members of your team.
Hybrid work schedules are here to stay
From cost savings to productivity to work-life balance, both employees and employers benefit from hybrid work models. Employee perks like expensed meal credits can feed your hybrid team, both in-office and working from home, making employees feel appreciated while creating virtual social connections. Learn more about meal reimbursement for hybrid, remote and in-office employees with DoorDash for Business.
