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."


Comments

  1. Gihani16 November 2025 at 06:35

    This blog provides a clear and well structured analysis of hybrid and remote work practices in Sri Lanka. Its discussion on technology adoption, work life balance, and organizational efficiency adds strong academic relevance. The post effectively highlights both opportunities and challenges of modern flexible work arrangements.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 07:54

      Thank you very much for your comments! I am really glad that you found the analysis of the opportunities and challenges of modern work arrangements clear and relevant.

      Delete
  2. Nilanka Herath18 November 2025 at 05:27

    Here is a short and clear comment for the blog:

    ---

    This blog provides a clear and well-structured overview of how hybrid and remote work models have transformed modern workplaces. It highlights the benefits of flexibility, work-life balance, and digital collaboration, while also acknowledging the challenges organizations must manage. The Sri Lankan examples make the content practical and relevant. Overall, a concise and insightful explanation of the growing importance of hybrid work systems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 07:58

      Thank you for your feedback! I am very happy that you found the overview clear and the Sri Lankan examples relevant.

      Delete
  3. Kalani Binusha18 November 2025 at 07:47

    Nice post! I like how you explained the hybrid work model simply and clearly — showing why a mix of remote and office work can boost both flexibility and productivity, which is really relevant for HRM.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 08:05

      Thanks for the feedback! Balancing employee well-being and organizational efficiency is certainly a key focus of modern HRM, and I'm glad you agree with me about how these models offer new solutions.

      Delete
  4. CHARUNDYA WICKRAMASINGHE19 November 2025 at 01:53

    Very well explained. I agree that adopting technology and hybrid work systems can boost both employee flexibility and organizational efficiency. It’s important for Sri Lankan organizations to implement these systems in ways that fit the local culture and work environment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 08:26

      Thank you for your comment and agreement! I appreciate your agreement with the idea that successful implementation, as I have pointed out in this article, depends on adapting global trends to suit Sri Lanka’s unique local culture and work environment.

      Delete
  5. Githmini Dasanayaka20 November 2025 at 07:03

    This examination of remote and hybrid work models is really well-structured and interesting. I really appreciated how you outlined the benefits – better work-life balance and flexible scheduling – as well as the challenges, including cybersecurity and team cohesion. For local readers, the examples from Sri Lankan companies and research make the topic extremely relevant and accessible.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 08:35

      Thank you very much for your feedback! My goal was to provide a balanced view of both the benefits (such as work-life balance) and the challenges (such as cybersecurity).

      Delete
  6. Rukshan Hewamallikage21 November 2025 at 13:39

    As someone working in hospitality, I see hybrid and remote work models not just as a trend but as a reminder of how deeply work-life balance shapes service quality. In hotels, we may not always have the same flexibility as office-based staff, but the principle is the same: when employees feel trusted, supported, and given space to balance personal and professional life, they bring more energy and empathy to guests. The article’s emphasis on collaboration tools and flexible hours resonates with us too. Even in hotels, technology now helps teams coordinate across shifts, share updates instantly, and reduce stress from miscommunication. At the same time, the challenges mentioned—like maintaining harmony and measuring progress—are very real in service industries where teamwork and culture are everything. For me, the takeaway is clear: hybrid work is not just about where people work, but about how organizations respect human dignity and wellbeing. If Sri Lankan firms, including hospitality, can adapt these lessons thoughtfully, we’ll build workplaces that are both efficient and humane—places where employees thrive and guests feel the difference

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 08:42

      Thank you for your comment. I appreciate you pointing out how fundamental principles like trust and work-life balance are universally applicable, even outside of traditional office settings. I agree with you that building more humane workplaces ultimately translates into better service quality for everyone.

      Delete

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