How do I use this hybrid working policy template?

This hybrid and remote work policy outlines the standard conditions that come with a flexible working arrangement. Designed as a free template, it can be downloaded and edited with a PDF editor.

Highlighted text in the template is to be completed with your business information. The green text sections are optional clauses that can be removed or kept, and the red text sections are guidance notes that need to be deleted before the policy is completed.

Once you’ve personalised the policy, we’d advise circulating it around your business and ensuring that all employees read, agree and sign it. Then, store it somewhere securely.

Did you know? Employment Hero allows you to keep all your policies digitally on one secure platform. You can easily customise and send out policies to all your employees with one click, while employees can digitally acknowledge and sign them online. 

What are hybrid working arrangements?

Hybrid working arrangements involve employees splitting their work hours between multiple locations, usually in a business premise and from home. The arrangement itself can vary by person – employees might work from home one day a month, once a week or most of the time. The same goes for the amount of time they spend in the office.

Hybrid working is designed to allow people to get the benefits of both remote work and working in the office.

Is hybrid working and remote working the same?

No, hybrid working is an arrangement that involves both remote work (away from the office) and in-office work. For some businesses who had to introduce remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic, hybrid work has been one way they’ve used to bring their teams back into the office gradually.

In our 2022 Remote Work report, hybrid working was the working arrangement for almost a third of the knowledge workers that we surveyed. 31% said they were hybrid employees who work both in the office and remotely, while 45% are in the office full-time and 24% are full-time remote employees.

What are the benefits of hybrid work?

There are a number of benefits that come with hybrid work, not just for employees but for employers too. Here’s what you should consider if you’re thinking about bringing hybrid working arrangements into your business.

Better work-life balance

Many employees in a hybrid work arrangement report that they feel like they have more flexibility to balance work and home. Whether it’s fitting in a dentist appointment on a lunch break or using that time saved on a commute, allowing some days of working remotely with flexible working hours can support employees in managing their time.

Employees can enjoy the benefits of both remote work and office work

Opponents of working remotely often cite how isolating it can be, and how it can be difficult to encourage spontaneous collaboration at work. In fact, our report revealed that 25% of those returning to the office did so because they missed the office culture, and 21% felt it was easier to communicate in person with managers and leaders.

One big benefit of hybrid working is that there are still some days spent in an office space, so employers can be proactive in using those days to facilitate collaboration, team building and socialising. Employees in turn can enjoy the benefits that come with working in person with their colleagues.

Hybrid working can have an impact on employee retention

Did you know that 50% of hybrid and remote workers would consider quitting their job if forced to return to the office full-time? The ability to work from home part or all of the time is a popular choice these days, particularly for younger employees, and taking it away could significantly affect employee retention.

Conversely, introducing hybrid working can be a popular perk that’s good for your employer brand when hiring. Many businesses are acting on this trend, with a recent Vistage report showing that 60% of CEOs were offering remote work as a way to compete for top talent.

Does remote work affect productivity?

According to a number of studies, remote work actually improves productivity when compared to office work. A Stanford study found that working from home led to a 13% performance increase, while a SHRM study reported that 77% of hybrid workers who worked remotely at least a few times a month reported greater productivity at home.

Our Remote Work report at Employment Hero found similar results, although interestingly a hybrid working option was voted the most productive working arrangement, over both remote working and office working. It was also voted the best option for work-life balance and for mental health.

Implementing your own hybrid working policy

Hybrid working isn’t just a popular choice for employees – it can be great for employers too. With increased productivity and a happier team, businesses can benefit greatly from introducing a hybrid working policy that allows for both office and remote work.

However, as with any big changes in a company, it’s crucial to have a policy which clearly outlines employee entitlements, guidelines and any conditions that come with hybrid working (such as communication expectations, working hours, or a reliable internet connection).

That’s where our hybrid working policy can support you in effectively rolling out a working arrangement that is fair, consistent and structured.

Download the hybrid working policy template today and transform your business for the future.

Interested? Download the policy template now!