Hybrid work – a combination of working in the office and remotely – has evolved from an emergency measure into a permanent way of organising work. Companies use it to cut office costs and employees gain flexibility, while both sides face new challenges. In this guide we explain which hybrid models exist, where things most often go wrong, and what role coworking spaces play.
What is hybrid work
Hybrid work means that employees spend part of their working time in shared spaces (an office or coworking space) and part remotely – usually from home. The key word is agreement: a good hybrid model is not an accident but a clear rule that everyone on the team understands.
The most common hybrid work models
- Fixed days – e.g. everyone in the office on Tuesday and Thursday, the rest of the week by choice. Easiest for coordinating meetings.
- Flexible model – employees choose when they come in; the office is available as needed.
- Remote-first – remote work by default, with the physical space used only for meetings, workshops and onboarding.
- Team agreements – each team sets its own rhythm based on the nature of its work.
The benefits of hybrid work
- For companies: lower space costs, access to talent outside Ljubljana, greater employee satisfaction.
- For employees: less commuting, better work–life balance, more focused work.
- For both: meetings become purposeful – when the team gets together, it does so for a reason.
Where hybrid work most often breaks down
- Two-tier dynamics – those in the office have more information and influence than those working remotely. Solution: make all meetings „remote-first“ (everyone on their own camera) and keep notes accessible to all.
- Culture erosion – without planned in-person gatherings the team fragments into individuals. Solution: regular shared days and events.
- An unsuitable home setup – not everyone has a quiet room and ergonomic equipment at home. Solution: the company provides employees with coworking close to home.
The role of coworking in a hybrid model
Coworking is the „third place“ of hybrid work: a professional environment without the cost of your own office. More and more companies, instead of large leases, cover a coworking membership for employees – the employee gets an equipped desk, a meeting room and a community, while the company pays only for as many seats as it actually needs.
At makerSP_CE in Ljubljana, the flexible packages are especially handy for hybrid teams: daily rental from €20, weekly from €70 and monthly from €135 incl. VAT – with no long-term contracts. A meeting room is included, which is ideal for weekly team days, and 24/7 access covers both early birds and night owls.
How to introduce hybrid work – 5 steps
- Set the rules of the game: which days, which tools, when someone must be reachable.
- Handle the formalities: arrange remote work through an addendum to the contract and register it with the relevant institutions (in Slovenia, the employer reports work from home to the labour inspectorate).
- Equip people: an ergonomic workstation at home or a coworking membership.
- Adapt meetings: shorter, purposeful, with minutes.
- Measure and adjust: every three months, review what works and what does not.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many days in the office is „right“?
There is no universal answer – in practice a rhythm of two to three shared days per week usually works best, but more important than the number is that the shared days are genuinely used for collaboration.
Does hybrid work reduce productivity?
Most research shows that well-organised hybrid work maintains or even increases productivity – the key is clear organisation, not location.
How does coworking help small teams?
A small team gets a professional environment, a meeting room and networking without investing in its own office – and adjusts capacity from month to month.
Conclusion
Hybrid work is not a compromise but an upgrade – if it is well thought through. If your team needs a flexible physical space in Ljubljana, take a look at makerSP_CE: the space grows and shrinks together with you.
🚀 Ready for the change?
Book your spot at the makerSP_CE coworking space today.
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