Hybrid work remains the most popular model for remote-capable teams

In 2024, the debate between fully remote or fully in-person work appears to be over. Hybrid models are the most popular choice.

According to a Gallup survey, 60% of remote-capable workers preferred hybrid over any other model, citing better work-life balance, efficient use of time, lower burnout rates and higher productivity.

Additionally, hybrid work has proven to be a tool for recruiting top talent due to the appealing flexibility it offers potential candidates. Roles that offer some form of hybrid work are generally more successful at attracting A-players than fully in-person positions.

Team member happiness and productivity

For early-career professionals, absorbing coworker knowledge in an in-person environment can be a major differentiator for later-career success. This kind of “osmosis” learning happens naturally in an office setting.

In a recent episode of our podcast, AI Fire’s EVP Ellie Sparling summed up the value of being shoulder-to-shoulder with your peers early in your career.

“Candidly, my strongest advice is to be as remote as little as possible, in any job, as early as possible,” Sparling said. “No matter how glamorous, every job is an apprenticeship.”

Podcast: Ellie Sparling discusses the importance of leadership and mentorship in corporate development

The flexibility of a hybrid schedule allows workers to choose how much time they spend in the office while also tailoring their work schedules to their lifestyle.

Hybrid employees often value its day-to-day versatility, and many save money on childcare and commuting costs when choosing to stay home for some portion of the week. Others simply enjoy the variation.

When asked about flexibility and professional development in a hybrid role, Charles Aris Associate Recruiter Courtney Twigg explained “the freedom over my schedule gives me the autonomy to have a better work-life balance and ultimately keeps me motivated.”

“This is the only work model that offers variety and that keeps me engaged,” she added.

Still, most hybrid or remote organizations recognize the importance of requiring some level of in-person interactions, whether it’s a minimum amount of time in the office or mandatory all-staff events.

According to a TravelPerk poll of business admins, managers and travel managers, 81% of respondents said they are organizing more live events compared to the last 12 months for their remote and hybrid teams.

We expect team-building events to become more prevalent as organizations adopt a long-term hybrid work strategy.

Leveraging flexibility when recruiting new team members

Many organizations still prefer fully onsite employees, especially at senior levels and in manufacturing businesses, where the bulk of the workforce is already in person. But hybrid work has proven to be a valuable bargaining chip for winning over the right candidates at all levels.

Strong candidates may pass over a compelling role if it requires relocation, especially to a new or unfamiliar area. To solve this, hiring managers will often promote a role as in-person to gauge how many qualified candidates are in the area but then widen the scope to hybrid or remote if they can’t find the right person nearby.

Related: The ultimate Charles Aris guide to executive recruiting

Some senior roles have also trended to hybrid and remote more naturally, based on the nature of the role or the profile of qualified candidates.

For example, CFO positions have continuously trended more remote for the past few years, and some organizations requiring fully in-person CFOs have a difficult time landing the best candidates.

Podcast: How remote work is developing in top financial leadership positions

If you’re growing your team, consider leveraging the flexibility of a hybrid work model to win over hard-to-recruit profiles.

The takeaway:

Hybrid work enables professionals to benefit from the best of what remote work and fully in-person work have to offer. By embracing this model, organizations can position themselves for long-term success, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.

For more recruiting insights, visit our hiring resources webpage.