{"id":77159,"date":"2024-12-01T00:00:08","date_gmt":"2024-12-01T05:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/?p=77159"},"modified":"2024-11-21T17:01:44","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T22:01:44","slug":"hybrid-work-ce-1224","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/hybrid-work-ce-1224\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Home Work Work at Your Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"

You might drive a hybrid car, which combines two or more power sources, usually a traditional gasoline engine and an electric motor. You might have done hybrid learning, which combines traditional classroom instruction with online, synchronous, asynchronous, in-person or remote education. And you might be familiar with hybrid art, which combines multiple forms or mediums, such as dance, music, video, painting, sculpture, theater, digital technology, sound and interactive elements. The common word in each definition is \u201ccombine.\u201d<\/p>\n

A hybrid veterinary team is no different.<\/p>\n

In our industry, a hybrid team combines remote workers and on-site employees to collaborate and achieve shared goals. Some might work remotely on certain days and at the veterinary hospital on others.<\/p>\n

Remote workforces grew in popularity during the pandemic and continue to gain traction because of the benefits to team members and their employers.<\/p>\n

Why Hybrid Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Remote work allows veterinary team members to reduce or eliminate stressful commutes and expenses involving fuel, meals and uniforms. It increases flexibility, improves the work-life balance, and reduces the number of interruptions involving co-workers and hospital activities. For the employer, hybrid work provides a leg up in the competition for job candidates, helps retain team members who might otherwise need to move due to family obligations, and improves productivity. That last one might come as a surprise.<\/p>\n

According to a study published in Forbes<\/em>, hybrid workers tended to be more productive than remote and on-site employees, and those with remote jobs put in nearly an extra hour a day on average. Another study reported that productivity was the same or higher when people worked from home instead of on-site. And Gallup research confirmed the productivity metric.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, disengagement and burnout pose a heightened risk in remote work, especially when those team members are left out of on-site learning opportunities or lack contact with co-workers. The caveat noted in studies and surveys is that remote work may be more productive, but it is often due to working longer hours than when on-site. Still, a hybrid team is an efficient and effective way to provide veterinary services.<\/p>\n

Suitable Hybrid Tasks<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The first hurdle employers must overcome is the assumption that veterinary work can\u2019t be performed in a hybrid setup. However, look at your hospital\u2019s job descriptions and survey your team to gain insight into the tasks that require an in-person presence.<\/p>\n

Some practices assign these duties to remote workers:<\/p>\n