Hybrid Work: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Since the pandemic thrust many industries into fully remote work, discussions about returning to the office—at least part-time—are heating up. Hybrid work, the blend of remote and in-office days, is now a hot topic, with some companies asking employees to return to the office full-time or a few days a week.

Allowing for flexibility is something many employees expect now that time has proven performance is not necessarily tied to being in an office, while at the same time the benefits for companies can be huge. But what exactly are the pros and cons of working from home? In this article, we’ll explore the good, the bad, and the ugly to better understand the nuances of this debate. Adding to this, the context and moment in one’s life is key to understanding that there is no one good answer and the best would be to meet somewhere in the middle when it comes to each employee.

Remote work. The good

When the pandemic hit, I was thrilled that legislation in many countries, including my own, updated and allowed companies to offer remote work. The flexibility to work from home whenever needed was a game-changer. Whether it’s personal, like waiting for a delivery, dealing with house repairs, or adjusting to your kid’s school schedule, OR professional, like needing some peace and quiet to focus on a big project, the option to work from home adds invaluable convenience.

Remote work offers tremendous benefits for both employees and employers. According to Buffer’s 2023 report, 71% of respondents prefer fully remote work, and another 20% favour a predominantly remote hybrid model. Only 1% expressed a preference for a fully office-based setup. Similarly, Staples’ 2024 survey revealed that 43% of workers would consider quitting if forced back to the office full-time.

For many, remote work reduces the stress of commuting and provides a quieter, more focused environment. Skipping the daily office chatter can boost productivity, and studies show that remote workers take fewer sick days—because let’s face it, working through a cold from home is much easier than dragging yourself into the office. A Stanford study found that remote employees completed 13.5% more tasks than those in the office. Additionally, they save between $2,500 and $4,000 annually on commuting and other expenses.

From a company perspective, having motivated employees who are willing to put in extra hours while being productive is a win-win. Employers can also save on overhead costs like office space, supplies, and utilities. Plus, remote work broadens the talent pool, enabling businesses to hire the best people from anywhere.

Work from home. The bad and the ugly

However, remote work isn’t without its challenges. Despite its benefits, remote employees often struggle with feeling fully engaged and integrated into the workplace culture. A 2024 Cisco study found that 59% of remote workers face difficulties engaging with colleagues, and 57% feel disconnected from their company. These gaps are often due to poor communication and inadequate technology infrastructure, with 62% of workers citing connectivity issues as career-limiting.

Additionally, remote employees often report feeling excluded from important decisions. A 2021 follow-up study by leadership training firm VitalSmarts found that 67% of remote employees felt their colleagues weren’t fighting for their priorities, while 64% said changes were made to projects without their inclusion. This lack of communication can lead to increased stress, lower morale, and reduced productivity.

Office politics can still play a role in remote work environments, and it’s up to companies to counter these challenges. Frequent check-ins via video calls, streamlined communication, and ensuring that remote workers have the same access to resources as their in-office counterparts are essential to maintaining a healthy and productive remote workforce.

One last common concern among remote workers is the fear of missing out on career advancements. However, a 2019 report from Ultimate Software found that remote workers were 40% more likely to be promoted and generally reported higher job satisfaction than their office-based peers. This trend continued in a 2023 study, which confirmed that remote employees still experience higher promotion rates and job satisfaction compared to in-office workers. These consistent findings challenge the notion that remote workers are overlooked for career growth.

Hybrid work. A mid-way solution?

Hybrid work seems to be the sweet spot for companies and employees in the same city. It offers the best of both worlds: face-to-face collaboration when needed, combined with the flexibility of remote work.

Reports support the benefits of hybrid work. OwlLabs found that 38% of hybrid workers prefer the office for meeting new people, 30% for team meetings, and 28% for collaboration. Additionally, 90% of hybrid workers said they feel equally or more productive in this format. Another 79% of managers in the same report stated that their teams are more productive when working hybrid or remotely.

Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work survey found that certain things are just easier to do when working remotely, especially focused work (70%), managing stress (65%), and avoiding distractions (50%). When it comes to teamwork, of course it’s better and more productive if the team members can meet in person.

While hybrid work isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—especially for fully remote employees or those in industries where in-person presence is necessary—it offers a balanced approach for many businesses. Hybrid work helps keep employees motivated, reduces office politics, and maintains collaboration, all while providing flexibility for both personal and professional life.

Conclusion: A Flexible Future

Ultimately, hybrid and remote work models provide numerous benefits, but companies must weigh these advantages against potential drawbacks like communication issues, burnout, and employee engagement. A tailored approach, backed by the right tools and policies, is key to reaping the rewards while mitigating the risks. Businesses that embrace this flexibility, support collaboration, and foster a strong remote culture will continue to thrive in this new era of work.