I'm currently applying to several companies and almost all of them mention a hybrid model. Some want 2 days a week in the office, others 3-4. How does that actually work out in practice based on your experience? Does it end up being more once you start?
I discovered that you have to distinguish between what's in the contract and what actually happens in practice. For me it was like this: contractually 2 days on-site were agreed upon, but in the first few months I automatically went in more often because you just want to get to know people and all the onboarding meetings took place on-site. After half a year things normalized again.
The real problem is that some managers or teams end up extending the times anyway when things get busy or when new projects start. Then there's suddenly talk of "we need to work together on this feature" and boom, it's 3 or 4 days again. Some companies are upfront about it and say from the start that it'll be more like 3 than 2 - with others it just gradually increases over time.
What you can do: ask specifically in the interviews how flexible it really is. So not just "2 days a week," but whether they'll also tell you when things get tight, or whether those days are really set in stone. And try to figure out if people have been working there for a while - they can tell you directly how the company handles it. Some teams stick to it strictly, others don't.
It really depends on the company and the industry - some actually stick to it, while others quietly bump up the days when things get hectic or new people start. At a lot of companies, the hybrid model is more of a guideline than a strict rule, and how flexible it actually ends up being is something you often only find out once you're working there. My tip: ask directly in job interviews how it works in practice and whether the days are fixed or if exceptions are normal - that way you'll know what you're getting into beforehand 😊
My observation is that companies often aren't clear with themselves about what they want. What's in the contract is one thing - but then project phases come up, new managers, or "we need more collaboration" and suddenly it's supposed to be three or four days. Especially at the beginning it tends to creep up, because you "still need to get up to speed" and should be present.
The problem: you often don't realize it until you're already there. Some companies are honest about it and tell you early if things get more flexible, others just slip it in on you. If the position matters to you, I'd ask specifically how it actually looked for them over the last two years - not what the HR person says in the interview, but how it really played out. If you know someone who works there, ask them.
Realistic rule of thumb: count on at least one day more than agreed. If 2 days are contractual, plan for yourself with 3. That way you won't be caught off guard and can sign with peace of mind.
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