If you’re a recent graduate, you’ve already shown your ability to adapt to the changing world of work by navigating the complexities of remote learning during the pandemic. Now, you’re stepping into a transformed professional landscape and finding that there isn’t the same level of flexibility and trust in terms of your ability to deliver from home, especially as the pandemic begins to become a distant memory and more firms mandate office attendance.

The rise of the hybrid work model doesn’t necessarily inspire you, as companies advertise hybrid, but require three-to-four days per week in the office.

We can all agree that some face-to-face time is helpful in achieving strategic goals, however, is one day per week enough? At ResultsCX, we think it is, and that there are a number of advantages for our people and business as a result.

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest perks is the level of flexibility it achieves. Only needing to commute to the office once a week frees up more time to manage work commitments alongside personal interests and responsibilities. This flexibility is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, something that’s crucial for your overall wellbeing.

With the extra time saved from not commuting daily, you can invest in activities that matter to you—whether it’s pursuing hobbies, staying active, or even continuing your education. The hybrid model supports a balanced approach to both life and work, allowing you to thrive in both areas.

Cost Savings

Starting your career often means being mindful of your finances. The one day per week hybrid work model can lead you to significant cost savings. Reduced commuting means spending less on travel, whether it’s public transport fares or fuel costs. Additionally, fewer days in the office mean you’ll save on meals out, professional attire, and those tempting impulse buys.

These savings can make a real difference, especially as you begin to manage student loans or deal with the high cost of living in urban areas.

For businesses, it provides the advantage of lower attrition and therefore the hiring costs associated with replacing individuals.

Enhanced Productivity

Your experience with remote learning has equipped you with the skills to work effectively from home. The one-day-per-week hybrid work model leverages this adaptability, allowing you to create a personalised, distraction-free environment that boosts productivity.

Many studies show that remote work can lead to higher levels of efficiency, as you can avoid typical office distractions. By combining this with the social and collaborative benefits of occasional office days, the one-day-per-week hybrid model offers the best of both worlds.

Professional Development and Networking

Being in the office one day a week strikes the perfect balance for your professional development. It gives you the chance to engage in face-to-face interactions that are invaluable for networking, mentorship, and team building. These interactions can foster a sense of community and belonging, something often missed in a fully remote setup.

Office days can be strategically used for activities that benefit most from in-person collaboration, like brainstorming sessions, team meetings, and workshops. This ensures you have plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth through direct engagement with colleagues and supervisors.

Environmental Impact

As part of a generation that deeply cares about environmental issues, you’ll appreciate that only one round commute per week helps you reduce your carbon footprint. With fewer commutes, there’s a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, and less office space usage translates to lower energy consumption.

The one-day-per-week hybrid model can allow you to align your work practices with your values, contributing positively to environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

When stepping into the workforce as a recent graduate, or otherwise being early on in your career, the one-day-per-week hybrid work model offers a forward-thinking and beneficial approach to professional life. With its focus on flexibility, cost savings, productivity, professional development, and environmental impact, this model is perfectly suited to your needs and values.

If you’d like to hear more about opportunities to take the next (flexible!) career step with ResultsCX, speak to us today, or visit our latest vacancies.