Hybrid work: fad or future?

The question of whether hybrid work is the future or a fleeting trend remains hotly contested. In a recent debate on Money FM’s The Hot Seat, Anthro Insights Founder and organisational sociologist Dr Issac Lim and HR influencer Adrian Tan weighed in on the productivity, mental health, and cultural implications of hybrid versus in-office work.

Adrian highlighted the importance of in-office presence for maintaining discipline, fostering collaboration, and creating mentorship opportunities. Drawing on studies, he argued that remote work often leads to decreased productivity and slower career progression. Adrian also emphasised the value of structured office environments, claiming they provide a clear separation of work and home life while combating isolation. For businesses, he noted, the physical office is a space for innovation, networking, and cultural cohesion.

Dr Lim offered a contrasting view. He advocated for hybrid work as a sustainable model, arguing that it provides employees the flexibility to balance personal and professional lives. Further, Dr Lim pointed out that productivity is not solely about hours worked or physical presence but should be measured by outcomes.

He proposed that hybrid arrangements when structured with clear expectations and norms, can mitigate feelings of burnout and isolation.

A good hybrid work policy isn’t so different from an in — office one — it requires clear expectations, strong communication norms, and colleagues pulling their weight… Hybrid arrangements give employees and employers the best bet in combating isolation and burnout because they allow autonomy to align work with the dynamics of personal life.

Dr Issac Lim

While Adrian expressed concerns about company culture in a hybrid setup, Dr Lim countered that meaningful collaboration doesn’t require being physically present for eight hours a day. Instead, hybrid models allow employees to focus on deep work while designating specific times for teamwork. As organisations navigate this evolving landscape, the challenge lies in balancing flexibility with collaboration, and autonomy with structure — a balance Dr Lim believes hybrid work uniquely provides. He concluded:

Hybrid working is not only here for 2025; it's here to stay. Organisations without a robust hybrid working policy will suffer in terms of productivity and access to talent.