12 Hybrid Work Questions, Answered (Plus a Free Template!)

Sabrina Dorronsoro

Published on

February 16, 2023

Hybrid work is becoming an increasingly popular option for companies and employees alike, as it allows for a balance of work-life flexibility, improved productivity, and the ability to foster a strong company culture.

Yet, despite the uptick in flexible working policies, there are plenty of questions without clear answers. We set out to answer the top 12 hybrid work questions and we even packaged it into a free survey questionnaire template.

Let’s dig in.

74% of U.S. companies use a hybrid working model or are planning on implementing one.

Source: Zippia Future of Work Report

Section 1: What is Hybrid Work?

1. How is hybrid work defined?

Hybrid work refers to a working arrangement that combines elements of remote working and on-site work. In a hybrid work model, employees are given the flexibility to work from both a remote location, such as their home or a co-working space, as well as a central office. This allows individuals to tailor their work environment to best fit their needs and preferences, while still reaping the benefits of in-person collaboration and interactions.

2. What are the different types of hybrid work models?

The exact specifics of a hybrid work arrangement can vary depending on the company and the needs of the employees, but typically it involves a mix of remote and in-person work days. There are several different types of hybrid work models that companies can adopt, some of the most common include:

Fixed schedule hybrid model: Employees are required to work in the office on certain days of the week and work from home on the remaining days. The schedule is set in advance and is usually followed consistently.
Flexible schedule hybrid model: Employees are given more flexibility in terms of when they work in the office and when they work from home. They may have the option to choose which days they work on-site and which days they work remotely.
Rotational hybrid model: Employees work in the office for a set period of time and then work from home for a set period of time. This cycle is repeated on a regular basis, and can be tailored to individual employees' needs and schedules.
Project-based hybrid model: Employees work on-site for specific projects that require in-person collaboration, and work from home for other projects that can be done remotely.

Each of these models can offer different benefits and drawbacks, and the best hybrid work model for a company will depend on its unique needs and culture. Some companies may choose to offer different models to different employees based on their individual needs and preferences.

3. What are the benefits of hybrid work?

A hybrid model can offer flexibility and empower employees to work to their strengths, which in turn boosts productivity. When considering more flexible working arrangements, be sure to highlight the potential benefits.

Hybrid work provides employees with the flexibility to work from home when they need to, which can help them better balance their work and personal lives. This also lends itself to increased productivity. By allowing employees to work in the environment that best suits their needs and preferences, hybrid work can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

64% of employers measure productivity by looking at employee output.

Source: The Road to High-Performing Hybrid Workplaces

From an organizational perspective, hybrid work can help companies save on office expenses and reduce the cost of real estate and office supplies. Flexible policies can also have an impact on talent attraction and retention. By offering hybrid work options, companies can attract and retain top talent, especially in a highly competitive job market.

Last, but certainly not least, hybrid work can lead to improved collaboration and communication between employees, as they have opportunities to work together in-person and virtually.

4. What are the drawbacks of hybrid work?

Clearly, hybrid work can offer benefits for both employees and employers, but it can also come with some drawbacks. Some key friction points to consider:

Difficulty separating work from personal life: It can be difficult for employees to separate their work and personal lives when working from home, leading to work-life imbalance.
Technical difficulties: Technical issues, such as connectivity problems and software compatibility, can arise when working from home, which can be disruptive to productivity.
Management challenges: It can be challenging for managers to oversee and motivate remote employees, and to ensure that everyone is on the same page in terms of goals, expectations, and communication.
Potential loss of company culture: The lack of in-person interaction can lead to a loss of company culture, which can negatively impact employee morale and engagement.

Overall, hybrid work has the potential to provide a balance of the benefits of remote work and on-site work, but it is important for companies to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and implement strategies to mitigate them.

Section 2: What Should Employers Know about Hybrid Work?

5. How can companies transition to hybrid work effectively?

Transitioning to a hybrid work model can be a significant change for companies, but with proper planning and preparation, it can be a successful one. Here are some steps that companies can take to transition to hybrid work effectively:

Assess company culture and needs: This may involve surveying employees to understand their preferences, as well as evaluating the company's priorities.
Develop a clear hybrid work policy: Companies should develop a clear and comprehensive policy that outlines the expectations and guidelines for hybrid work. This policy should cover issues such as work hours, communication, collaboration, and technology requirements.
Invest in technology: Hybrid work requires reliable and secure technology to ensure that employees can work effectively from anywhere. This may involve upgrading hardware and software, as well as providing training for employees.
Promote collaboration and communication: Companies should implement tools and strategies to promote collaboration and communication between employees.
Monitor and adjust the model: After implementing hybrid work, it is important to monitor its success and make adjustments as needed. This may involve surveying employees to understand their experiences and challenges, as well as making changes to the policy or technology as necessary.

Transitioning to hybrid work requires a well-planned and thoughtful approach. Companies should involve employees in the process, prioritize clear communication and collaboration, and be flexible and open to making adjustments as needed.

6. How can companies maintain culture and collaboration in a hybrid work environment?

In a flexible working model, leaders need to be intentional about company culture and collaboration. Some good starting points include:

Developing clear communication and collaboration policies.
Implementing virtual communication and collaboration tools.
Offering virtual team-building and socialization opportunities.
Encouraging in-person meetings and events.
Providing regular check-ins and feedback for remote workers.

7. What are the best tools and technologies for hybrid work?

There are several tools and technologies that can support and enhance hybrid work, including:

Video conferencing platforms: Video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet allow for real-time virtual meetings and collaboration.
Collaboration and project management tools: Tools such as Asana, Trello, and Slack allow for virtual collaboration and project management, making it easier for hybrid teams to work together and stay organized.
Workplace experience platforms: Solutions, like Robin, help workplace leaders better manage office resources while also collecting data on office utilization, employee engagement and workplace trends. The right platform makes booking desks and spaces a breeze and makes office activity more visible for better work-week planning.
Cloud-based productivity tools: Cloud-based tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, and Dropbox allow employees to access and collaborate on files and documents from anywhere.

These tools and technologies can help support effective communication, collaboration, and productivity in a hybrid work environment.

Section 3: What Should Employees Know about Hybrid Work?

8. What working model best suits your working style?

Before jumping into any specific kind of role, employees should consider what kind of model works best for them. Hybrid workplaces are great for many people, providing an ideal mix of flexibility and in-person connection.

For others, however, a fully in-office model may be a better fit. Some people work better when they are around others, some prefer an office environment over working in their living spaces.

Then, there are others that are better suited to a completely remote role. Think people who aren’t centrally located or professionals who consider themselves to be intensely introverted. Whatever the preference, people should consider what kind of environment is best for them.

9. What are the right hybrid work interview questions to ask potential employers?

If you're looking to work in a hybrid environment, it’s important to consider what questions to ask an employer. Aim to understand the company's hybrid work policies and practices by asking questions like:

Can you describe your hybrid work policy and what it entails?
What technology and tools do you use to support remote work and collaboration?
Can you describe the company culture and how it supports hybrid work?
How do you handle challenges and obstacles in a hybrid work environment?

Asking these questions can help you get a better understanding of the company's hybrid work policies and determine if it is the right fit for your needs and preferences

6 in 10 employees want more structure, but little more than a third of that group agree on how to define hybrid for their organization.

Source: Gallup Hybrid Work Research

Section 4: How Can Leaders Elicit Meaningful Employee Feedback?

10. What are some good questions to ask employees about hybrid working?

If you're an employer looking to implement a hybrid work model, it's important to get input from your employees. Here are some questions you can ask employees to better understand what they want and need from a hybrid working environment:

What do you like and dislike about working in a hybrid environment?
How well do you feel connected to the company and your team while working remotely?
What challenges have you faced while working in a hybrid environment?
What tools and technologies do you find most helpful for hybrid work collaboration?
How do you feel about virtual communication and collaboration with your team?
Are there any opportunities for in-person meetings or events that you would like to see more of?

Asking these questions can help you gather valuable insights from your employees and make informed decisions about the hybrid work model.

11. What are the best hybrid work survey questions to elicit feedback?

If you're looking to gather feedback from employees about your company's hybrid work program, you can use surveys to solicit their opinions. Here are some survey questions that can help you gather valuable feedback:

On a scale from 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the hybrid work model?
How well do you feel connected to the company and your team?
What improvements would make you more likely to come into the office?
How important is it for you to have in-person meetings and events with your team? Why?
Are there any further changes or improvements you would suggest for the hybrid work model?

Using a combination of these questions can help you gather a well-rounded picture of employees' experiences with hybrid work. It is also important to keep the survey anonymous to encourage honest feedback from employees.

12. How often should I survey teams on their hybrid workplace experiences?

Consider surveying your teams on their hybrid workplace experiences every quarter. It is frequent enough to ensure your data is relevant but not so often that teams start to ignore the survey coming into their inbox.

A Free Hybrid Work Policy Guide with Employee Survey Template

We covered a lot of ground here. But there’s one last takeaway we’d love to pass onto your teams: a bundle of free hybrid work survey templates.

This guide is split into three parts:

Definitions of hybrid work policies
The benefits and pitfalls of flexible work
An employee experience survey template

Download our free hybrid work policy guide to determine what you need from hybrid work arrangements and better define your plans. Then take advantage of the template with hybrid work questions for better employee feedback.