Hybrid Work Models and Remote Working

 


 


Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on work systems around the world. Employees have had to work from home, and at the same time, a new work pattern, hybrid work model and remote working, has become very popular in society. Here, employees are not necessarily required to work from a specific location, i.e. an office, but are able to work from anywhere through technology.

Hybrid working refers to the ability of employees to work at the workplace for some days of the week and from home for the remaining days.

For example, an employee can come to the office three days a week and work from home for the other two days. This plan increases the job satisfaction of employees by balancing their work and personal time.

"Many organizations in Sri Lanka, especially banks and government sectors, have introduced a hybrid plan after COVID-19 (Adikaram and Naotunna, 2022)."

 Using Online Collaboration Tools

The use of online technology and communication tools is essential for the successful implementation of hybrid and remote work systems. During COVID-19, many organizations have shown an increased tendency to use software such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Slack.

These tools perform a number of very useful services. namely,

• Conducting meetings for teams online

• Facilitating the sharing of articles, reports and complaints

• Increasing the speed and efficiency of communication

"According to the Sri Lanka Institute of Human Resource Management (2023), many local organizations are successfully using software such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams for internal communication and teamwork management."

. Employees have flexible hours and work-life balance.

. In hybrid and remote working, they have the freedom to work at their own time.

. This allows them to strike a balance between their work life and their family, health and leisure time.

. Furthermore, flexible working hours enable employees to work without major disruptions, which can improve organizational efficiency.

"A study conducted by Perera and Thilakasiri (2024) on the Sri Lankan banking sector found that remote working has contributed to increased employee happiness and work-life balance."


New challenges and opportunities

The hybrid model as a new way of working presents a number of new challenges.

For example:

• Difficulty in maintaining harmony among employees

• Cybersecurity issues

• Obstacles in measuring work progress

However, these problems can be mitigated by using tools and technology appropriately.


Conclusion

The use of technology and communication tools provides greater freedom for employees and greater efficiency for organizations.

Therefore, it has become essential for organizations in Sri Lanka to adopt these new ways of working and develop hybrid work systems that suit the local culture and work environment.

Reference

Many organizations in Sri Lanka, especially banks and government sectors, have introduced a hybrid plan after COVID-19 (Adikaram and Naotunna, 2022).

According to the Sri Lanka Institute of Human Resource Management (2023), many local organizations are successfully using software such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams for internal communication and teamwork management.

"A study conducted by Perera and Thilakasiri (2024) on the Sri Lankan banking sector found that remote working has contributed to increased employee happiness and work-life balance."


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