Hybrid Work Equals Work/Life Balance

People have finally found the work/life balance they have been searching for, thanks to the pandemic. For many, the past year has been extremely stressful. Families, friends, and co-workers not being able to see each other in person has been an emotional struggle for many. As social creatures, we thrive on interacting and being present with others. Thanks to Zoom and other types of conferencing platforms, we were able to keep some resemblance of our social behavior.

As the pandemic spread like lava from a volcano making its own path of destruction, we hunkered down. Many turned to nature as their escape from feeling barricaded in their homes. People bought bicycles, kayaks, tents, trailers, and fishing equipment online. They turned out in droves at campgrounds, recreational areas, and mountains. It was as if being immersed in nature was the newfound fad.

One day driving back from my weekly hike at Mount Monadnock, I noticed the number of families that were out walking or riding bicycles. I do not ever remember seeing so many families in one day spending time together, my heart filled with joy. This is what life is truly about, spending quality time with the family.

Now that restrictions have been lifted, many are heading back to the office. Employees are voicing their preference for a hybrid work model. People have formed a healthy lifestyle, thanks to lessons learned from the pandemic that includes the much-needed balance they have been craving for years and they want to maintain it. Hybrid work equals a work/life balance. Employees are less stressed, less anxious, more relaxed in their home environment, more productive, and have more time to spend with their families due to less commuting. Companies can save money by downsizing office space, purchasing fewer office supplies, and on utilities.

For the industries that are suitable to the hybrid model, let us move forward with work/life balance, not backward to the days of endless commuting and long hours at the office that takes away from time spent with family.