Stupid work or ignite passion? Hybrid working – task-based instead of rigid working time models

Hybrid working has established itself as a future-oriented model that combines the advantages of face-to-face office work and flexible home office. This way of working not only offers an answer to the changing needs of modern companies, but also creates a working environment that promotes motivation, creativity and productivity in equal measure. But how can such a model actually be successfully implemented? What challenges need to be overcome and why is task-based work a key to success? These questions deserve in-depth consideration.

Advantages of hybrid working

Flexibility and work-life balance

Hybrid working allows employees to largely determine their place of work and their working hours themselves. This flexibility leads to a better work-life balance. Employees can not only better fulfill their personal obligations, but also make better use of their individual performance. “Working when and where it is most productive” becomes the guiding principle.

Numerous studies show that a better work-life balance not only increases quality of life, but also has positive effects on health. Less stress and more space for relaxation help prevent burnout and sustainably increase employee satisfaction.

Increased productivity

A key advantage of hybrid working is increased productivity. Employees have the opportunity to work in an environment that meets their individual needs. Distractions from colleagues or a noisy environment can be minimized. At the same time, the flexibility makes it possible to adapt working hours to personal performance levels. “If employees can decide for themselves when they have their most productive phases, everyone benefits,” is a common opinion among work psychologists.

Cost savings and resource optimization

The financial component is another plus point. Companies can use hybrid working models to reduce costs for office space, electricity and other operating costs. Employees, in turn, save time and money by commuting less. This time saving becomes a decisive factor for a better quality of life, especially in large cities with long commutes.

Greater employer attractiveness

At a time when the shortage of skilled workers is becoming ever more present, flexible working models are a decisive competitive advantage. Companies that offer hybrid working are considered modern employers that respond to the needs of their workforce. This can be a crucial factor in attracting and retaining talent.

Challenges of hybrid working and possible solutions

Coordination and communication

Hybrid working requires a higher level of coordination. Meetings, projects and coordination must be organized in such a way that both employees in the office and those working from home are involved equally. Without clear rules, misunderstandings can arise.

Clear communication guidelines and the use of digital tools such as video conferencing software, shared project management platforms and digital calendars are essential. Regular updates and check-ins ensure that everyone involved stays informed and on the same page.

Team cohesion and corporate culture

The lack of personal contact can weaken team cohesion and corporate culture. Employees who are rarely in the office may feel isolated.

Targeted measures such as joint workshops, virtual team events and regular team days in the office can strengthen cohesion. Companies should also make sure to cultivate a culture of trust and appreciation, which is also noticeable in the digital space.

Technical infrastructure

Reliance on digital technology brings with it the risk of technical problems. An unstable internet connection or inadequate hardware can hinder work.

Companies should invest in a robust IT infrastructure and provide employees with the necessary equipment. Technical support and regular maintenance of the systems are essential.

Task-based work is the heart of success

The real shift towards a successful hybrid working model lies in a paradigm shift: away from rigid working time models and towards task-based work. The focus is not on attendance, but on the result. This philosophy is based on:

1. Results orientation instead of compulsory attendance

The success of employees is not measured by the time they spend in the office, but by the results of their work.

2. Trust-based leadership

Managers must learn to hand over responsibility and trust in their employees' initiative. Too much micromanagement contradicts flexibility.

3. Individual working hours

Every person has different performance curves. A task-based model allows these to be taken into account and thus increases efficiency.

4. Self-organization and personal responsibility

Employees who can organize their work themselves often feel more motivated and committed. Personal responsibility also promotes personal development.

Implementing a successful hybrid working model

The successful introduction of hybrid working models requires a strategic approach. The following steps are crucial:

1. Needs analysis

Companies should take into account both the needs of the organization and the wishes of the employees. Surveys and workshops can provide valuable insights.

2. Clear guidelines

It is important to define clear rules for accessibility, working hours and communication channels. These should be communicated transparently and checked regularly.

3. Technical equipment

Providing modern tools and technologies is essential. Employees should be able to easily access all necessary resources.

4. Training of managers

Hybrid working also places new demands on managers. Training on the topics of trust, results orientation and digital collaboration are indispensable.

5. Evaluation and adaptation

Regular feedback from employees and continuous review of the model ensure that it functions optimally and meets the requirements.

Hybrid working: opportunity to develop passion and potential

Hybrid working is more than just a pragmatic compromise between home office and office presence. It offers the opportunity to create a work culture based on trust, flexibility and results orientation. Employees who are able to organize their work more independently often develop greater passion for their tasks. Companies that take advantage of these benefits benefit from engaged and productive teams.

Although hybrid working does not represent a universal solution to all the challenges of the modern world of work, it is a promising approach to meeting the needs of a changing society. With the right strategy, it can become a key to a sustainable and motivating working world.

Suitable for:

• Hybrid teams: Success factors of collaborative platforms – working, learning and communicating
• Task-based instead of working hours: Home office and office work not based on working hours, but rather divide task areas