I vowed to work remotely and landed a job that was hybrid: Here’s how I feel one year later

After concluding an adventure around the world last year, I made a list of priorities that I was looking for in my next career move. Close to the top of that list was the dream of working remotely, craving the freedom to define my workspace.

Fast forward to receiving a job offer from my current employer, Leapsome. Most of my preferred boxes were ticked – except for the possibility of remote work. Leapsome required employees to be present in the office for two days every week.

However, everything else about the role seemed like a fit so I decided I would take a chance and dive into hybrid work. Now that a year has passed I can genuinely say I made the right decision (at least for my current wants and lifestyle!)

But, I acknowledge that this isn't the case for everyone. I understand that many companies struggle to get the balance right, and even when they do, in-person, hybrid, or remote work isn't everyone's cup of tea. Therefore, this article may not provide all the answers, but I hope it serves as a valuable resource for job-seekers seeking insights into their next role and offers employers a glimpse into an employee's perspective. Here are some key takeaways on why the hybrid model worked for me and how Leapsome managed to get it right.

The 'Why' and the 'How'?Matter

When I joined Leapsome, they were in the process of opening their NYC office, and the employees hired would be the first working in NYC. Due to this, the company emphasized the importance of getting to know one another in person so that we could get to know one another better and have a hand in crafting our company culture, together. This approach made sense to me. In my previous role I was lucky to spend 6 months with my team in person before the COVID lock downs began and I was really grateful that I had this time with them before going through some of the roughest times of all of our careers. I just personally form connections with people more in real life, I enjoy the energy and presence that in person connections bring - from work to workout classes.

Once I started going to the office it made sense to me, I had forgotten what working together in real life felt like!? While I believe I could have connected with my colleagues remotely, meeting them in person significantly strengthened our relationships. We even had the opportunity to travel to Berlin this summer to meet the other part of our team, which left a lasting impact.

For some companies, the "why" behind in-person work might stem from distrust, a need for constant monitoring, or simply a reluctance to embrace change. If you can't articulate a compelling reason for having employees in the office, perhaps it's time to reevaluate that requirement.

What is also important is the “how”. Leapsome doesn't make me feel like I'm under constant surveillance; there's no attendance roster to check off. And when I have a reason for not being in the office – whether it's family commitments, illness, or travel – it doesn't affect my standing. We typically have the flexibility to choose our office days, except for significant company or team events. Leapsome even allows us to work from a different location for two months each year and is accommodating when it comes to holidays, ensuring that my freedom and family time remain intact.

You Cannot Please Everyone All The Time

It's painful to say, but there's no one-size-fits-all solution that caters to every individual's needs. Instead, companies should define their standard, and let job-seekers and employees decide which company standards align with their preferences and requirements

While some argue that companies refusing full remote work are inconsiderate, there's a valid counterpoint. While in-person work may not be just or accessible to one person's needs, fully remote work may not be accessible or ideal for another person's needs. Some folks lack a stable home work environment or reliable internet, some employees suffering from anxiety or isolation may thrive better in an office around other humans, some folks just starting their careers may benefit from in-person connections, or some folks may find solace in the structure of an office.

The list goes on, and in the end, there are valid reasons for both remote and in-person work, as well as hybrid models. Companies should try to pick one, communicate it clearly, and let job-seekers decide if it suits their work style (while also keeping in mind my point below, flexibility.

From my experience, constantly changing policies or shifting responsibilities to individual managers is a solution where no one wins.

Flexibility is Key

If you have defined your “why” then you must be willing to be flexible in achieving it. For instance, let’s say your goal is to foster better connections between teammates. If that is your “why” and you decide to terminate an employee who has been with the company for years in-person and moved during COVID, does terminating them really achieve your why? Could there have perhaps been another way to make this work??

Moreover, offering flexibility when it comes to office attendance, accommodating personal circumstances, and exploring alternative in-person arrangements can make a significant difference. If your office requires folks to be in on Tuesdays and Thursdays and someone needs to come in Tuesday and Wednesday due to their kids or therapy or whatever it is, be flexible.?

Or maybe your hybrid isn’t two days a week but instead one day a month, or maybe your remote includes one company in-person event per year. There are tons of options, and talking to your employees about their thoughts can help you curate this. Remember, equality and equity are not the same, and building a base standard while ensuring fairness is possible.

In conclusion, there's no universal solution, and companies will continue to get it right for some and wrong for others. I know even for me, my personal preferences may evolve over time, but for now, my ideal balance involves spending two days a week with my fantastic colleagues, figuring out our espresso machine, and getting energy from human interactions, while enjoying the freedom of no commute and working from home the remaining 3 days a week (or working from my favorite coffee shop, shoutout to Postmark Cafe in Brooklyn)!