Is Hybrid Work Working?

In the ever-evolving landscape of work, companies are increasingly reimagining their approaches to accommodate the changing needs and preferences of their employees. HubSpot, as a leading CRM company, has taken a significant step in this direction, transitioning into a hybrid work model that fosters flexibility and empowers its workforce to do their best work, whether it's in an office or from the comfort of their homes.

In 2020, HubSpot announced its shift to a hybrid work model, acknowledging the diverse work preferences of its employees. Our company's aim is to provide an environment where individuals can choose their work setup, whether they are at the office, home, or a mix of both. This initiative stems from HubSpot's belief that results matter more than the hours worked, aligning with its Culture Code that encourages building work around life.

HubSpot introduced three distinct work preference options for its employees:

• @office: You have an assigned desk at a given HubSpot location 

• @flex: You are someone who chooses to work from home some days but likes to go into the office one or two days a week

• @home: You are someone who chooses to work remotely as your primary location and don't regularly go into any HubSpot office 

Insights From Employee Preferences

HubSpot shared data on the work preference choices made by its employees in 2023. The results were interesting: 64% of employees favored working from home, 8% preferred the office, and 28% opted for the @flex arrangement. These numbers reveal that flexibility remains a key factor in employees' choices, affirming the importance of providing diverse work options.

If we compare those numbers with the choices made by HubSpot’s employees in 2021 (39% @home, 18% @office, and 43% @flex), it is clear that remote work continues to gain popularity without affecting HubSpot’s productivity. 

As HubSpot navigates this transition to a hybrid work model, several core beliefs guide its approach:

• Flexibility is Essential: The data supports the idea that flexibility is a vital aspect of work preference. The company acknowledges that employees' desire for flexibility has grown even stronger in recent times, emphasizing the importance of offering choices rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

• Embracing Humanity: The pandemic brought a unique opportunity for HubSpot to connect with its employees on a personal level. Encouraging employees to be authentic, sharing their home lives, and embracing empathy has led to stronger connections and a deeper understanding of one another.

• Economic Empowerment: HubSpot recognizes the potential to reshape the tech industry's landscape by embracing remote work. Traditional tech hubs have left many communities underserved, and the company believes that offering remote work opportunities can contribute to economic empowerment and foster diverse and equitable workforces.

• Unknowns and Adaptation: While data from the current situation informs the hybrid approach, HubSpot acknowledges that the future remains uncertain. The company appreciates that circumstances are still evolving, and its focus is on building a culture that supports everyone equitably, whether remote or in the office.

Remote work has gained traction in Mexico, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies, including HubSpot, have recognized the benefits of remote work, such as increased flexibility, reduced commuting time, and the ability to tap into a broader talent pool. For Mexico, a country known for its rich culture, bustling cities, and diverse regions, embracing remote work has presented both exciting opportunities and challenges.

According to Forbes magazine, prior to the global health crisis, 34% of workers in Mexico were already working remotely, but during the pandemic, this number doubled to 68%. As of May 2022, 85% of the population in Mexico had been vaccinated, as reported by the official government vaccination page. This progress allowed most restrictions to be lifted in 90% of the national territory, including the option to return to the office. However, 96% of workers in Mexico wish to maintain remote work arrangements, according to FlexJobs, indicating that the labor landscape in Mexico aligns with global trends.

Just as HubSpot values the preferences of its global workforce, understanding the Mexican workforce's preferences is crucial. Mexico has a diverse population with varying work styles, family responsibilities, and commuting challenges. Remote work allows individuals in Mexico to achieve better work-life balance, spend more time with their families, and reduce the stresses of daily commutes, especially in cities with heavy traffic.

A transition to a hybrid work model underscores its commitment to nurturing an inclusive, flexible, and empathetic work environment. As HubSpot charts its course into the future of hybrid work, the experiences and insights from Mexico provide valuable lessons. By valuing employee preferences, recognizing the power of human connection, supporting economic diversity, and adapting to the unknowns, the company positions itself to navigate the ever-changing landscape of work effectively. As HubSpot's employees continue to grow better together, the journey into the future of work promises to be exciting and transformative.