The differences between hybrid and remote work

Hybrid and remote work are terms often used interchangeably, but they have considerable differences.

Both Hybrid and remote working are popular trends related to the workplace with benefits to professionals in all industries.

There are benefits for companies too, especially when you consider security, time management, cost savings and the ability to add talented individuals to the workforce.

There is still a little confusion between the terms, as working at home and working remotely are not the same thing. Check out some of these differences.

Hybrid

Hybrid is what we do when we work from our home and not in the office, but only on days when we need a change of scenery. For example when we don’t have a face-to-face meeting scheduled we decide to avoid driving to the office or on occasions when we need to work privately, without co-workers interrupting us. Some companies even schedule two or three days in the office and the other days for working from home. You can take your laptop home and use it in your kitchen, home office, living room, or even your bedroom. This is a significant change from the normal routine and pace of work–which can be very helpful in certain situations. However our physical office still exists and those we work with wait until we are back in the office to have deep stratgic conversations, exchange ideas, ask questions, or get answers from us.

Remote Work

Remote work is when we are working outside the company’s physical environment, all the time, whether at home or in a rented space. This is the essential difference from Hybrid work. Remote work requires a different set of resources and skills since it is not temporary. It requires a certain amount of discipline and strong time management skills. It also requires the professional to have proactive communication and absolute focus to be aware of everything that is happening in the company and with other team members since there is no face-to-face contact. Remote work is only possible with the creation of our own working environment, that is, a special space must be selected and organized to function as our office outside the company. It’s worth noting that with access to the right set of tools and a few productivity tips, working remotely can be both pleasurable and beneficial.

Finally, the difference between the two work routines impacts the tools we need in order to be successful employees. The Hybrid model is a temporary or variable situation, while remote work is a permanent. A key advantage to both work situations is the ability to choose where you will set your laptop to do your work. There are tools and services that make this experience very positive and productive.

A good example is the use of a “virtual office”, sometimes called the virtual workplace or digital workplace. The virtual office has significant benefits to both hybrid and remote workers. Let’s take a quick look at MyHive and how it meets the needs of all types of companies by helping maintain team spirit, an essential element in any successful work environment.

MyHive is the representation of a physical office in a virtual environment, on the computer screen, where all team members are represented by avatars, all working together, in an visual and collaborative way, no matter where they are physically located.

In MyHive, it is possible to create rooms, departments, break areas and common work areas. MyHive’s virtual environment greatly reduces the distance between people who are tens or thousands of miles apart, allowing them to work side by side, day by day. It’s a complete virtual office offering real-time, spontaneous communication and collaboration. It includes the ability to just start a verbal conversation with a colleague, chat, instant video, and screen share.

Try MyHive for free. Go to MyHive.Global and discover how MyHive can significantly improve your productivity.