“The Gartner®1Q24 Global Labor Market Survey found that 44% of workers worldwide have a hybrid work model, more than the 39% of workers who work full-time in the office.” *

Read also: 3 challenges of flexible hybrid work for international companies

Hybrid working is a model that combines office work and remote work. Some companies set specific days for on-site work, while others allow employees to choose their own working hours.. Hybrid working models may involve less frequent commuting, which can reduce vehicle emissions.

But hybrid working can also be a key factor in promoting sustainability in the workforce – it helps create work environments where employees are healthy, engaged and productive.

These practices can be an important part of a company’s overall environmental, social and governance (ESG) program, which often includes employee well-being and development.

Let’s explore hybrid work trends and how these models can foster inclusive and productive workforces.

From advantage to expectation

While flexible working arrangements have been around for some time, remote working became commonplace during the pandemic, leading to an increase in the popularity of hybrid work. Many workers prefer a hybrid approach to returning to the office full-time, seeing it as a way to improve their work-life balance and overall wellbeing.

Employers are now also realising that flexible working models can be an important way to attract, promote and retain employees.

In one year 2022 Cisco Global Hybrid Working Study28,000 full-time employees were surveyed in 27 markets, who expressed their support for hybrid working with a collaborative approach:

• 62% of employees agree that their ability to work from anywhere impacts whether they stay in their job or leave it.
• 61% believe that their work quality has improved
• 60% saw an increase in productivity

How Cisco supports hybrid working

At the heart of successful hybrid work is the collaborative technology that reaches corporate headquarters and home offices – from video conferencing to messaging applications to real-time document sharing.

Cisco, for example, offers millions of people a secure way to work from home every day with its market-leading platform consisting of Webex, AnyConnect VPN and ThousandEyes.

A Cisco-enabled remote work environment can also include a Cisco Desk Pro, a dedicated video desk device with three times the screen size of an average PC that delivers a high-quality meeting experience. It helps keep calls engaging rather than tiring—no blinking eyes at little talking heads on a small PC screen.

For office environments, Cisco can unlock sustainability potential and optimize workplaces through its Smart building solutions that can automate work environments, save space, and reduce costs. By using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology and connected heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), security, and occupancy systems, organizations can gain actionable, timely insights into the availability, occupancy, and energy consumption of building resources.

Not only do these solutions support more sustainable hybrid working, but many of the products themselves are designed with sustainability in mind.

For example Cisco Room Bara video device for office conference rooms, was developed using a circular design approach. The number of internal components was reduced by 16 tons per year and packaging volume was reduced by 44 percent by eliminating foam. The product itself was designed to be easier to repair, refurbish and recycle.

Cisco applies such principles across its entire portfolio. In fact, Cisco has set a goal that 100 percent of its new products and packaging Principles of circular design until the 2025 financial year.

The importance of inclusivity and productivity in a hybrid working model

Cisco’s goal is to enable an inclusive future for all. Supporting hybrid and inclusive work environments – where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, feels valued and can fully contribute – is a core aspect of the company’s purpose.

For example, Webex improves inclusivity with features such as real-time translation, subtitles and post-meeting summaries.

Cisco is now using industry-leading AI to further combat frustrations caused by background noise, poor audio, and poor video quality. The goal is to create the impression that there is no real distance between colleagues and that every participant, regardless of their location, is able to participate fully and effectively.

Guiding principles and the future of hybrid work

According to a IDC studyAlmost half of organizations value maintaining flexible working models to support their transformation efforts.

Despite the momentum and prioritization of hybrid work, many organizations are struggling to implement effective strategies. According to a McKinsey Survey 202468 percent of organizations do not yet have detailed plans for dealing with hybrid work.

Hybrid work models can vary by region, industry, company and even business unit and can be challenging for both workers and managers. It can be a new way of thinking that encompasses company culture, processes and technology. Ultimately, it requires a strategic and thoughtful approach from multiple stakeholders in an organization.

The Cisco mindset, as stated by our President and CEO Chuck Robbins, is: “The office is a magnet, not a mandate.”

Hybrid work models aren’t just about flexibility – they’re an essential part of driving sustainability and inclusivity in the workforce. By leveraging advanced technologies and strategic planning, companies can create environments where employees thrive and contribute to broader sustainability goals.

Hybrid working is becoming more mainstream and many organizations are looking for ways to achieve better results. Personally, I have reinvigorated my productivity and increased my job satisfaction since I started using a dedicated Webex device to manage all of my remote meetings.

For guidance on how to transform hybrid work from a “grand experiment” to a cornerstone of sustainability and productivity, see Cisco’s Mastering hybrid working.

*Gartner, Quick Answer: Evaluating Microsoft Places for Hybrid Work Challenges, Tori Paulman, Christopher Trueman, July 8, 2024

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Luca Ferraro is Global Sustainability Leader, Collaboration Solutions at Cisco.