Ever since the pandemic outbreak, companies were forced to adapt hybrid work models. The concept of hybrid working was there for a long time but became popular during the pandemic.
Fast forward to today, the situation seems to be under control, and things are slowly going back to normal. Now, companies are in the dilemma of whether to stick to the hybrid work model, provide work from home, or return to the office.
However, when it comes to the supply chain, it seems like it is likely to hold a place in the future of hybrid work. Besides, according to a recent study by Gartner, 61% of supply chain leaders are anticipating a permanent hybrid working model for their frontline workers.
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How Many People in the U.S. Are Working in a Hybrid Setting?
Currently, 63 percent of high-revenue growth companies are embracing the hybrid work model, as per an Accenture report. Apparently, the same report reveals that 69 percent of companies with less or no growth reject the idea of hybrid workforces and prefer either all onsite or all remote working.
As for the employees, 68% are in favor of hybrid working and consider it to be the perfect work model. However, another survey found that 48 percent of American workers want permanent work from home, while the remaining 44 percent want to work from home partly a week.
Role of Hybrid Work Model in Supply Chain Management
The concept of hybrid working typically requires an employee to balance both in-person and remote work. However, it may only work for people with office-based jobs. So, what about the frontline workers, who need to physically show up to their jobs? How can companies put the flexible work model into practice to support the supply chain frontline staff?
As per Gartner, the only way supply chain leaders can stay competitive is by transforming their workplace from location-centric to human-centric. For this, they need to ensure three things.
- Enhance internal collaboration
- Provide flexible work experience
- Employ empathy-based management practices
Future of Hybrid Work in Supply Chain
It may be a little complicated but it is possible to implement a hybrid work model in supply chain management. For example, in the case of a warehouse, workers were traditionally required to be present there. But with the advancement of new technologies, a hybrid work setting can work.
Having sophisticated 3D sensing technology and transport management systems can help supply chain leaders to collect data and monitor operations in the warehouse in real-time. This clearly indicates that hybrid working, when combined with new technologies, is likely to stay for a long time in the future.
