Not too long ago, “going to work” meant exactly that. Commuting to an office, sitting at a desk, and clocking in from nine to five. But the world of work has completely evolved, and it’s not turning back.

The Pandemic Shift

The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just change where we work, it changed how we think about work altogether. Practically overnight, millions of professionals swapped desks for dining tables and meetings for video calls. What began as a crisis response became a global reset.

And it worked.

According to a 2024 Gallup report, 8 in 10 people now work in a hybrid or remote setup, and over 60% say they’re more productive this way. More choice, less commuting, better balance.

Flexibility became not just a perk, but a standard.

Different People, Different Styles

Work looks different for everyone—and that’s the point. Today’s teams thrive because they bring together a mix of working styles, needs, and preferences.

• The Remote Achiever: Finds focus and freedom in flexible environments; values autonomy and deep work time.
  
  
• The Office Collaborator: thrives on social energy, enjoys spontaneous brainstorming, and values face-to-face connection.
  
  
• The Hybrid Balancer: Loves the best of both worlds, structure and social time at the office, quiet and flexibility at home.

How Different Working Styles Affect Employees

Every person works differently, and those differences can have a big impact on motivation, wellbeing, and performance. Understanding those differences is key to designing workplaces that truly work for everyone.

Remote Work: Focus and Flexibility

Employees who prefer remote work often value independence, quiet time, and the ability to manage their own schedules.

 Effects on employees:

• Positive: Greater focus, fewer interruptions, improved work–life balance, and reduced commute stress.
  
  
• Challenges: Feelings of isolation, blurred boundaries between work and home, and fewer opportunities for spontaneous collaboration or mentorship.
  
  
  

Office-Based Work: Connection and Collaboration

Some employees perform best in structured, social environments where teamwork and communication happen face-to-face.

 Effects on employees:

• Positive: Stronger sense of belonging, quicker communication, and more creative collaboration.
  
  
• Challenges: Commuting fatigue, distractions, and less control over time and environment.
  
  

Hybrid Work: Balance and Flexibility

The hybrid model combines the best of both worlds. Time at home for focused work, and days in the office for teamwork.

 Effects on employees:

• Positive: Better balance, improved engagement, and adaptability to different tasks.
  
  
• Challenges: Coordination complexity, “proximity bias” (where in-office workers get more visibility), and inconsistent experiences across teams.

The Bigger Picture

Different working styles affect more than just productivity, they shape how employees feel about their jobs:

• Autonomy boosts motivation and trust.
  
  
• Flexibility supports wellbeing and retention.
  
  
• Connection fosters collaboration and innovation.
  
  
  

When companies recognise and accommodate different working styles, they build teams that are more engaged, resilient, and high-performing. The key is not to pick one model, but to design work around people. Not the other way around.

How Working Styles Impact Businesses

This shift has forced organisations to rethink how they operate. Companies are learning that productivity isn’t about presence, it’s about performance.

• Higher satisfaction = better results: Flexible working has been linked to lower burnout and higher engagement.
  
  
• Stronger talent attraction: Many professionals now view flexibility as a key factor when choosing an employer.
  
  
• Cultural adaptation: Businesses must work harder to maintain connection, creativity, and belonging when teams are distributed.
  
  
  

Forward-thinking organisations are leaning into this new reality. Designing systems, tools, and leadership approaches that support different working preferences.

The Future of Work Is Personal

Work is no longer just a place. It’s an experience defined by choice, trust, and impact.

The future belongs to organisations that empower their people to work how they work best—and measure success by outcomes, not office hours.

Because when work fits people, everyone wins.