In the realm of information technology and related service sectors such as banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), professional services, consulting, and telecommunications, a growing number of companies are introducing hybrid job roles. This trend contrasts with the return to a five-day office workweek observed in many manufacturing firms and traditional conglomerates.
Prominent entities like Axis Bank, BCG, Deloitte, and LinkedIn have embraced diverse flexible work models, with top executives expressing a commitment to sustaining hybrid work structures. According to these leaders, the hybrid model not only ensures heightened engagement and productivity but also facilitates access to a broader talent pool.
Axis Bank, for instance, has adopted a 2+3 hybrid work model (two days in the office and three days remotely) for all functions except its treasury division and branches. Rajkamal Vempati, the bank’s President and Head of Human Resources, affirmed the continuation of this hybrid approach, citing its success in expanding the talent pool.
The prevalence of active full-time hybrid job openings has doubled from 22,000 in October to 45,000 in November, as per data from specialist staffing company Xpheno. Notably, 45% of these openings are in the IT services and IT products sectors, with other industries such as BFSI, startups, consulting, and professional services also prominently featured. Mid-senior level roles constitute almost 44% of the total hybrid openings, while entry-level positions account for 18%.
Anil Ethanur, Co-founder at Xpheno, attributes the resurgence of flexible engagement models to the current demand slowdown, stating that adjusting hiring volumes and velocity aligns more seamlessly with flexible models.
According to a survey by Ciel HR Services involving over 600 companies, the majority of professionals express a preference for some form of remote or hybrid work option. Specifically, 37% favor spending one or two days a week in the office, 40% desire full work from home, and the rest are open to working from the office full time.
Aditya Narayan Mishra, CEO of Ciel HR, emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach, stating that hybrid work arrangements are optimal for both employers and employees. This sentiment is echoed by top officials who view the hybrid model as more practical in a talent-constrained market. Dinesh Khanna, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG, notes that in a supply-constrained market, the ongoing talent war necessitates the development of a workplace that attracts a broader talent pool while providing a sustainable and manageable work environment.
LinkedIn, a professional networking platform, adheres to a “completely flexible policy,” according to Ruchee Anand, Senior Director of Talent and Learning Solutions at LinkedIn India. Employees are not mandated to be in the office for a specific number of days, allowing them the freedom to choose what suits them best.
Deloitte, a major professional services firm, places emphasis on flexibility and respect, as articulated by SV Nathan, Chief Talent Officer. He notes the importance of actively working with business leaders to establish a rhythm of working that accommodates individual preferences and needs.