Hybrid working

Working from home continues to enjoy strong popularity, while at the same time the role of the office has fundamentally changed. Hybrid working—often referred to as a hybrid work model—combines working from home or on the go with working on site in the office.

However, introducing a hybrid work model is not limited to organisational changes alone. Space utilisation and technical infrastructure must also be adapted accordingly. For hybrid working to function successfully in the long term, companies need to rethink not only work practices, but also office design and the integration of technology.

Hybrid working describes a workplace concept in which employees work partly from home or other locations and partly from the office. The aim is to combine the advantages of both ways of working: focused, individual work outside the office and personal interaction on site. Hybrid working models often also support a better work–life balance for employees.

What hybrid working looks like in practice varies from one organisation to another. The number of in-office days, flexible working hours or project-based arrangements are typical components of hybrid work models. As hybrid working is introduced, the role of the office also changes—from a fixed individual workstation to a place of interaction, collaboration and lived company culture.

As not all employees are present in the office at the same time in hybrid models, the requirements for office space change. Traditional individual workstations are used less frequently and can often be reduced. If team members work partly in the office and partly remotely, the overall number of desks can be optimised.

The space freed up creates new opportunities for alternative areas such as creative zones or collaboration spaces. With hybrid working, the office evolves from being the sole place of work into a hub for exchange and communication. Project work or strategic meetings, for example, are often more effective when conducted face to face rather than via video calls.

In addition to collaborative areas, modern hybrid office concepts —often aligned with activity-based working—also provide quiet zones for phone calls and focused work, as well as classic workstations.

A hybrid office provides the ideal framework for hybrid working. A well-conceived office concept ensures efficient use of space. Desk-sharing solutions, for example, are particularly well suited to maintaining optimal occupancy levels in hybrid work environments.

Different zones within the hybrid office support different types of activities throughout the working day. These include retreat areas for focused work, open social spaces and interactive zones that foster creativity and inspiration. Modular furniture and flexible spatial structures enhance adaptability and support creative work, making the office future-ready in the long term.

A robust technical infrastructure is the foundation of successful hybrid working. A hybrid workplace must function reliably both in the office and remotely, providing employees with equal conditions regardless of location.

Dedicated spaces for phone calls and video conferences are essential, alongside modern video conferencing systems. Large meeting rooms and smaller conference spaces equipped with screens are just as much a part of a hybrid office as phone booths on open-plan floors. Digital whiteboards can also support hybrid work models as collaborative tools.

The introduction of hybrid work models is usually accompanied by a reorganisation of internal processes and the creation of hybrid workplaces and spaces. Depending on the starting point, the scope of these changes can vary significantly.

Thorough planning and collaboration with experienced partners help address individual requirements and develop sustainable solutions. Early involvement of employees is equally important in building acceptance and realistically reflecting actual work practices.

Hybrid working combines the benefits of office-based and remote work. Employees gain greater flexibility and benefit from improved work–life balance and reduced commuting time. This can increase satisfaction and enhance employer attractiveness.

At the same time, hybrid working presents challenges. Direct interaction, spontaneous conversations and experiencing company culture are limited in a home office setting. Shared goals are often pursued more efficiently on site. Leading hybrid teams can also be demanding for managers. Transparent communication and a well-designed office concept create the conditions needed to actively foster collaboration, cohesion and identification.

In hybrid working models, the office is used deliberately for activities that require interaction, collaboration and personal exchange. Focused individual work, on the other hand, often takes place in the home office. However, remote work alone cannot fully replace genuine team cohesion or the lived experience of company culture.

To make this interplay successful, organisations need clear structures and transparent communication, as well as a tailored office concept that optimally supports hybrid working and makes company culture tangible through space.