In 2019, very few organizations were open to remote working – only for it to become the default way of working a year later, a trend which continued until the first half of 2022. However, with the pandemic effects on the decline, offices are being opened up and any companies are asking employees to come back and work from three for a few days a week, in a move that has divided opinions. Some like the idea of collaborating in person, while others have adapted their way of working to a fully remote set-up and don’t want to change their way of working again.

At PlaytestCloud, we foster a culture of openness and dialogue. We too experienced a divided opinion on whether we should continue to be fully remote or should we take the plunge and ask everyone to come to the office, even if only for a few days. After several rounds of discussion, we decided to adopt a hybrid approach - we will open our office and give our employees an option to come in without making it mandatory. Why? For a few reasons:

  1. Employee Satisfaction - Several studies in early 2022 validated the views of hybrid work advocates. Research from Owl Labs has found that remote and hybrid employees were 22% happier than workers in an onsite office environment and stayed in their jobs longer. They reported less stress, more focus and were more productive than when they toiled in the office.
  2. Better work-life balance - Hybrid work culture leads to better work/life balance and is more beneficial for the physical and mental well-being of employees. 75% of respondents in the study conducted by Owl labs say their work-life balance has improved as a result of hybrid or remote working. Even though some employees are dedicating more time to their work, if they’re able to fit it in and around other aspects of their lives, they say they feel the positive effects of a better work-life balance.
  3. Physical health.The hybrid workplace has empowered employees to reclaim physical health. Three-quarters of respondents (75%) stated that they move more frequently and have a more active work style when working remotely.
  4. Choice - Employees leave organizations where their opinions are not heard. They like to be offered flexibility and to choose what works best for them, without adversely impacting the organization. Hybrid work so far has been found to be effective on both of these parameters.

At the end of the day, we believe a hybrid work culture is what makes everyone at PlaytestCloud the happiest.