All in person and all remote work have their challenges. What if you could combine them?
Our work cultures have experienced massive changes since the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, remote work was not unheard of, but not the typical offering.
After the pandemic it was very common and often used to entice workers.
With 2025 came a big “return to office” push where corporate honchos wanted their workers to report back to the cubicle.
As a compromise, many workplaces offer a hybrid schedule. This is working part of the time from home and part of the time from the office.
Lets look at the pros and cons of this kind of work arrangement.
5 Pros To Working A Hybrid Schedule
1. Decreases commuting time and expenses
As with the benefits of working remotely- it can drastically cut your commute time and expenses. Though working remote it can eliminate it- the hybrid schedule can cut it in half, or a third depending on what your situation is. That sure helps the wallet and the stress of a commute
2. Better Work/Life Balance
Working from home offers tremendous flexibility to both family and personal life. Generally, you gain more time (reduced commute). You also are available directly before and after work, or during lunch to be with your family if that is needed. You could fold some laundry or do a few of your household responsibilities as well. The hybrid schedule offers less of this, but still some of it- which is certainly a pro.
3. Focused Time Without Office Distraction
As with the benefits of remote work, not going into the office a few days a week allows you to have focused time without office distractions. Working from home, I am amazed as how often I would shut my office door to cut down on the distractions of the workplace. Being on a hybrid schedule allows you some of that office free distraction time as well.
4. Keeps You In The Office Loop
It’s no secret, often those that return to the office are in a better position for promotion or to work on special projects. They are there to hear about them maybe even before an announcement is made, and available to make small talk and rub elbows with those in charge. Have a presence in the office allows for this kind of availability- even if part time
5. Work Variability
Some days you just want to switch things up. Getting out of the office and working from home on those days is an added benefit of the hybrid schedule. Likewise, on days when the home office is feeling a bit lonely, having the option of going into the office is an added benefit.
5 Cons to Working A Hybrid Schedule
So far, working hybrid sounds pretty good. As with most things, there is an upside and a downside.
1. Office Availability May Suffer
If your colleagues are used to having you around to run stuff by, or to work closely on a project with- you not being in those few days may create some added friction. Keep this in mind if you think your workplace may suffer in this way.
2. May Be Frustrating To Have To Switch From Office To Remote Work
Some people are very good with flexibility. They like having the option of going into the office or staying home. They also like the day-to-day variability. For others, they like predictability and having to switch mindset from office to home office may just be an added stressor and distraction.
3. Boundaries With The Office, Boundaries With Home
It’s no secret that working remotely creates boundary issues with your family. However, working hybrid may create some boundary issues with your workplace and your family. Not only will you have to hold to home office boundaries while at home, but also reminding your office mates of your hybrid status may create issues as well.
4. You Still Have To Commute
With a hybrid schedule, you are still a “slave to the grind” of that commute. Even if it is a couple days per week, you still will be sitting in that traffic and fighting the other fellow commuters.
5. Work/Life Balance May Suffer
Adding all this up, the benefits of hybrid work may suffer from having to balance both a work life and a remote work life. Keeping this in mind can be helpful if you are looking at working a hybrid schedule.
Is a hybrid schedule an option for you? Are there other considerations working hybrid you are concerned with? Let me know! Let’s explore it together.
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