Hybrid work schedule, love it or hate it? At USA Pickleball we made the decision to allow our staff to have a hybrid work schedule (in office 3 days/week) with June and July full remote option. As a parent with two young children, I’m grateful for the opportunity to beat the heat (we’re based in Arizona) and work in cooler temps in Colorado. My kids are outdoors playing all summer, I do my work and enjoy this amazing benefit. Some managers are not in favor for hybrid work, or any work remote option for that matter. Would love to hear your companies philosophies, no right or wrong answer! Just a Friday thought provoking moment.
Love the option to include summer months remote. There are obviously trade offs on both sides of the decision. For RADAR, we were born global, with a culture of digital collaboration that has created a number of advantages. We can bring in the best people regardless of location, overhead is lower, and it’s a more inclusive option for neurodiversity. But if an organization chooses to commit to a given location, and can’t tap into those other advantages, than it makes sense to require some level of IRL participation. Seems like you guys have struck a nice balance.
I am an ENORMOUS proponent of hybrid work. Even before the pandemic, when I managed global communications programs for Hasbro, I was on a hybrid remote schedule with all staff having half-day Fridays year round, too. It was a huge factor in keeping staff happy, productive and retained - just take a look at their Glassdoor, that’s always a key factor in their reviews. I crank out more work, more effectively, when I can be focused in my home, but I can speak with colleagues more off-the-cuff when I’m in an office, so I’m a big fan of the best of both worlds with a hybrid approach.
I dig the hybrid model, but it’s tough when you can’t offer it to everyone like us since we have the retail/events component. It's cool that you can do what you're doing, though.
Nice to hear about USA Pickleball's option, Jose. I'm also AZ-based and know how nice it is to have these options. I'm an ardent fan of WFH and hybrid arrangements. They give so much space for a healthy work-life balance (no need to sacrifice sleep or family for commutes, for example). But they do take a commitment from the org's managers and leaders to make sure that objectives are clear and communication is flowing. So I really applaud the companies that make it work!!
How wonderful, Jose for you and your family; an absolute 360 WIN! In my opinion, hybrid strikes a wonderful balance and to nearly everyone's agreement in this post, the mental health benefit is a major benefit, along with general morale, team focus and team spirit. Another PLUS, an energy/fuel stop savings benefit too.
I think it is a fantastic choice. My wife and son will be spending the summer in San Diego with our family since it is too hot outside here in Tucson. I will be visiting on the weekends and for the 4th of July. Me knowing my son can play outside and enjoy his summer is totally worth it.
It's been a wonderful benefit especially as a person with disabilities. It enables me to continue working and being a strong part of the community.
As an employee, a hybrid/flexible schedule can be truly life changing and a huge win for mental health and overall well-being! Happy, healthy employees are also able to show up differently and will go the extra mile in return. Enjoy your summer in CO!
LOVE IT!!! Currently 3 at home, 2 in the office, it’s amazing!
Freedom Sports and Entertainment| Flower City Union Partner/Minority Owner| Adjunct Professor | C-Suite Brand and Sports Business Executive | Board Member Profit and Non Profit
2moI must admit I was a skeptic of virtual/remote working, however when the original Washington Spirit owner said this is how he wanted to operate the organization when we launched, I quickly realized it can be as effective if not more effective than in office working. I then worked for Celebrity Cruises where the entire sales/marketing teams were vitual & remote with Corp HQ in Miami FLA, our productivity was very high and the virtual model worked incredibly well, Covid clearly accelerated the concept, regardless I'm now a believer in it, cuts down the in office distractions and gossip too!